Hydroxychloroquine
Pronounced hy-drox-i-KLOR-oh-kwin
Brand names: Plaquenil
Type: Antimalarial and immune-modulating medicine · All Other Medicines
What Hydroxychloroquine is used for
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
- Malaria prevention and treatment
◆ Kidney note
Widely used to protect the kidneys in lupus (lupus nephritis); the dose may be lowered in severe kidney impairment.
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Rash
Important cautions
- Can damage the retina with long-term use — regular eye examinations are essential
- Can affect heart rhythm in susceptible people
How it comes
Tablets. This guide lists forms only — it never lists strengths or doses.
Related medicines — Other Medicines
Please note: This page is a patient-education summary, not medical advice, and it deliberately contains no doses. Medicines affect everyone differently — always follow your own prescription and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.