Hydroxychloroquine HCQ uses

Composition

• The active ingredient is Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate.
• It belongs to the 4-aminoquinoline derivatives group.
• It is classified as an antimalarial and immunomodulatory drug.

Uses (Indications)

Hydroxychloroquine is prescribed for three main purposes:

1. Autoimmune Diseases:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Used to reduce pain, swelling, and joint stiffness. It helps control the disease over the long term.
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): Used to treat various symptoms of lupus, including skin rashes, mouth ulcers, and joint pain.
• Sjögren’s Syndrome and Other Autoimmune Conditions: Sometimes used off-label for similar inflammatory conditions.

2. Malaria:

• Prevention: Used in areas where malaria is known to be sensitive to chloroquine.
• Treatment: Used to treat acute attacks of malaria caused by certain strains of the parasite (Plasmodium vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale, and some susceptible strains of P. falciparum).

3. Off-Label Uses:

• Q Fever & Porphyria Cutanea Tarda: It has been used for these rare conditions.
• Important Note on COVID-19: During the pandemic, hydroxychloroquine was investigated as a potential treatment. However, major health organizations like the WHO and FDA revoked emergency use authorizations after large-scale studies concluded that it was not effective in treating COVID-19 and its risks outweighed any potential benefits.

Side Effects

Side effects can range from common and mild to rare and very serious.

Common Side Effects (Often mild and may improve with time):

• Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Loss of appetite
• Skin rashes or itching

Less Common but Serious Side Effects (Require immediate medical attention):

• Eye Problems (Retinopathy): This is the most significant long-term risk. It can cause irreversible damage to the retina, potentially leading to vision loss. Regular eye exams (every 6-12 months) by an ophthalmologist are mandatory for anyone on long-term therapy.
• Cardiac (Heart) Issues: Can cause cardiomyopathy (weakening of the heart muscle) and heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias like QT prolongation), which can be life-threatening. This risk is higher in those with pre-existing heart conditions.
• Severe Skin Reactions: Such as blistering, peeling, and severe rashes.
• Blood and Bone Marrow Changes: Can lead to anemia, low white blood cell count (increasing infection risk), and low platelet count (increasing bleeding risk).
• Muscle Weakness or Nerve Problems: Can cause neuropathy or myopathy.
• Mental Health Changes: Rarely, can cause anxiety, depression, nightmares, hallucinations, or suicidal thoughts.
• Hearing Problems: Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or hearing loss.

Contraindications:
Hydroxychloroquine should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to it or in those with pre-existing macular vision changes.

CRUCIAL WARNING:

• Medical Supervision Only: Hydroxychloroquine is a prescription medication and must only be taken under the strict supervision of a qualified doctor.
• Self-Medication is Dangerous: Never use this drug without a prescription. Incorrect dosage can lead to severe toxicity and death.
• Drug Interactions: It can interact with many other medications (e.g., certain diabetes drugs, heart rhythm drugs, other immunosuppressants). Always inform your doctor of all medications you are taking.

📌 Precautions

• Always take under a doctor’s supervision
• Regular eye check-ups are necessary
• Patients with heart, liver, or kidney conditions must use with caution

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