Hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate | Medication for Malaria Prevention and Autoimmune Conditions

What is this medication?

Hydroxychloroquine is a medication that works in two main ways: it helps prevent and treat certain types of malaria infections, and it helps regulate the immune system in autoimmune conditions.

For malaria, it works by interfering with the parasite’s ability to grow and spread inside your body. For autoimmune conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, it helps calm an overactive immune response that can cause inflammation, pain, and tissue damage.

This medication may be prescribed for:

  • Prevention of malaria when traveling to certain regions

  • Treatment of uncomplicated malaria infections

  • Autoimmune conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis

  • Chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the skin or joints

This medication does not treat all types of malaria and may not be effective in areas where resistance is known. 

This medication should only be used under the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider.

    • Store at 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) 

    • Keep in a tight, light-resistant container

    • Keep medication in original labeled packaging

    • Protect from heat, moisture, and light

    • Carry in your carry-on bag when flying

    • Take exactly as directed when traveling for malaria prevention

    • Do not share this medication with others

When should this medication be used?

Your provider may recommend this medication if you:

  • Are traveling to an area where malaria prevention is needed

  • Have been diagnosed with malaria

  • Have an autoimmune condition such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis

  • Are experiencing inflammation related to immune system activity

For malaria prevention, this medication must be started before travel, continued during travel, and continued after returning.

Do not start this medication unless your provider has instructed you to do so.

  • Follow the directions on your prescription label and the instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

    General instructions for use include:

    • Take the medication exactly as prescribed

    • Take with food or milk to reduce stomach upset 

    • Swallow tablets whole, do not crush or split

    • Take doses consistently at the same time each day or week (depending on use)

    • Do not take more than prescribed

    For malaria prevention:

    • Start 2 weeks before travel

    • Take once weekly on the same day

    • Continue during travel

    • Continue for 4 weeks after leaving the area 

    For autoimmune conditions:

    • It may take several weeks to months to feel full benefits

    Because this medication builds up in your body over time, consistency is very important.

    • Take the missed dose as soon as you remember

    • If it is close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose

    • Do not take two doses at the same time

    If you are unsure what to do, contact your provider or pharmacist.

  • While taking hydroxychloroquine:

    • Take with food or milk to reduce nausea

    • Attend all recommended eye exams

    • Monitor for changes in vision

    • Be aware of changes in mood or mental health

    • Monitor blood sugar if you have diabetes

    • Inform any healthcare provider that you are taking this medication

    Risks while taking hydroxychloroquine:

    Hydroxychloroquine affects multiple systems in the body and may cause:

    • Effects on heart rhythm (QT prolongation)

    • Vision changes or retinal damage with long-term use

    • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

    • Muscle weakness or nerve issues

    • Mood or psychiatric changes

    • Blood cell abnormalities

    • Liver or kidney effects

    Some risks increase with long-term use or higher doses.

  • Hydroxychloroquine may interact with other medications and increase the risk of side effects.

    Tell your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking.

    Examples of potential interactions include:

    • Medications that affect heart rhythm (QT-prolonging drugs): may increase risk of dangerous arrhythmias 

    • Diabetes medications or insulin: may increase risk of low blood sugar 

    • Antiepileptic medications: may be less effective

    • Methotrexate: may increase side effects

    • Cyclosporine: levels may increase in the body

    • Digoxin: levels may increase and require monitoring

    • Antacids or kaolin: may reduce absorption (separate by at least 4 hours) 

    • Rifampin: may reduce effectiveness

    • Cimetidine: may increase drug levels

    If you are unsure whether your medications may interact, contact your provider or pharmacist.

Important Safety Information

  • Hydroxychloroquine can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.

    Heart-related risks

    This medication may cause dangerous heart rhythm problems, including:

    • Irregular heartbeat

    • Fainting or dizziness

    • Life-threatening arrhythmias

    Eye (retinal) toxicity

    Long-term use may cause permanent vision damage.

    Watch for:

    • Blurred vision

    • Difficulty seeing in low light

    • Changes in visual field

    Regular eye exams are required. 

    Severe skin reactions

    Serious skin conditions may occur, including:

    • Stevens-Johnson syndrome

    • Toxic epidermal necrolysis

    Neuropsychiatric effects

    This medication may cause:

    • Depression

    • Anxiety

    • Hallucinations

    • Suicidal thoughts or behavior

    Blood and immune system effects

    • Bone marrow suppression

    • Increased risk of infection

    Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

    Can occur even without diabetes and may be life-threatening.

    Muscle and nerve damage

    • Weakness

    • Loss of coordination

    Kidney and liver effects

    May cause organ toxicity in some patients.

  • Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical care if you experience:

    • Fast or irregular heartbeat

    • Chest pain or fainting

    • Sudden vision changes or blurred vision

    • Severe rash, blistering skin, or peeling skin

    • Severe weakness or muscle pain

    • Severe dizziness, confusion, or seizures

    • Yellowing of the skin or eyes

    • Signs of severe allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

  • Who Should NOT Take This Medication

    Do not take this medication if you:

    • Are allergic to hydroxychloroquine or similar medications (4-aminoquinolines) 

    • Have known hypersensitivity to this medication

    Use with caution or avoid if you have:

    • Certain heart rhythm disorders

    • Retinal or vision problems

    • Psoriasis (may worsen condition)

    • Porphyria (may worsen condition)

    • G6PD deficiency

    • Severe kidney or liver disease

  • Tell your provider if you:

    • have a history of medication allergies

    • have liver disease

    • have kidney disease

    • have had antibiotic-associated diarrhea

    • are pregnant or breastfeeding

    Also tell your provider if you take:

    • blood thinners

    • gout medications

    • hormonal birth control

    • other antibiotics or prescription medications

  • Common side effects may include:

    • Nausea

    • Vomiting

    • Diarrhea

    • Abdominal pain 

    Other possible side effects may include:

    • Headache or dizziness

    • fatigue

    • loss of appetite

    • rash or skin sensitivity to sunlight

    • changes in hair color or hair loss

    • ringing in the ears or hearing changes

    • mood changes, anxiety, or sleep disturbances

    Seek medical attention if side effects become severe or do not improve.

  • Hydroxychloroquine overdose can be life-threatening and may cause severe heart rhythm disturbances, seizures, low blood pressure, and cardiac arrest. Symptoms of overdose can occur within 1 to 3 hours after ingestion.

    Immediate medical care is required if an overdose is suspected. 

    Symptoms of overdose may include:

    • Severe heart rhythm abnormalities

    • Low blood pressure

    • Seizures

    • Confusion or coma

    • Visual disturbances or blindness

    • Dangerous electrolyte imbalances (such as low potassium) 

  • Dispose of unused or expired medication properly:

    • Do not flush down the toilet unless instructed

    • Do not pour into drains

    • Use a medication take-back program if available

    • If unavailable, mix with an undesirable substance and discard in a sealed container

    Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Disclaimers

  • This prescription may have been issued through a telemedicine consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. If you experience severe symptoms, worsening illness, or any concerning reactions while using this medication, contact your prescribing clinician immediately or seek emergency medical care.

  • This medication guide summarizes important safety information derived from pharmacy labeling, medication manufacturers, and prescribing references. It is intended to help patients understand the safe use of medications included in the Superior Health & Wellness Travel Medical Kit.

    This guide does not contain the complete prescribing information for Hydroxychloroquine. Always follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider and the instructions on the pharmacy label that accompanies your prescription.

    Medications included in travel medical kits are prescribed only after a clinical evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider. Prescriptions are issued based on your medical history, current medications, allergies, and overall health needs. Not all patients will qualify for every medication or kit configuration, and the contents of each kit may vary based on provider discretion and patient suitability.

    Some medications included in travel medical kits are commercially manufactured medications dispensed through licensed pharmacies. In certain cases, a medication may be provided as a compounded formulation prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy when a provider determines that a compounded version is medically appropriate for a patient. Compounded medications are not reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety or effectiveness but are prepared by licensed pharmacies in accordance with applicable pharmacy regulations.

    Travel Medical Kits are intended to provide limited medication support during travel when timely access to medical care may be difficult. These kits are not a substitute for routine medical care, primary care services, or emergency medical treatment. Purchasing a Travel Medical Kit does not establish a primary care relationship with Superior Health & Wellness and does not include ongoing medical supervision beyond the initial provider evaluation used to determine eligibility for the kit.

    Patients experiencing severe illness, worsening symptoms, medication reactions, or medical emergencies should seek immediate medical care or contact a licensed healthcare professional.

    Medical services and prescriptions offered through Superior Health & Wellness are provided by licensed healthcare professionals in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. Prescription medications are dispensed by licensed pharmacies following a valid provider prescription.

    Patients are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription medications to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Visit MedWatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Previous

Augmentin
Next

Flagyl