Hydroxychloroquine is an oral prescription drug belonging to the class of antimalarials and
disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). It is structurally related to
chloroquine but considered to have a better safety profile.
It is sold under brand names like Plaquenil, Hydroquin, and Quinoric, and is available in
tablet form in various strengths, typically 200 mg.
Medical Uses of Hydroxychloroquine Tablets
- Malaria Prevention and Treatment
- Hydroxychloroquine is effective in preventing and treating malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale, and sensitive strains of P. falciparum.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Used as a long-term treatment to reduce joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
- Helps in slowing the progression of joint damage.
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- Reduces inflammation and immune system overactivity.
- Helps manage fatigue, joint pain, and skin problems.
- Other Off-Label Uses
- Occasionally prescribed for Sjogren’s syndrome, porphyria cutanea tarda, and COVID-19 under certain clinical guidelines (with caution and under strict medical supervision).
How Does Hydroxychloroquine Work?
How Does Hydroxychloroquine Work?
- Inhibiting certain immune system functions.
- Reducing inflammation.
- Increasing pH in immune cells, which helps reduce their activity.
- For malaria, it interferes with the parasite’s ability to digest hemoglobin in red blood cells.