Hydroxychloroquine

Introduction

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is a medication used primarily to prevent and treat malaria in areas where the disease remains sensitive to chloroquine. Other uses include treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and porphyria cutanea tarda. It is taken orally, often in the form of hydroxychloroquine sulfate.

Medical Uses

Malaria

Hydroxychloroquine is used to prevent or treat malaria caused by mosquito bites. The United States CDC gives updated guidelines and travel recommendations for the prevention and treatment of malaria in different parts of the world.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Hydroxychloroquine is classified as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), and is used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It regulates the activity of the immune system, which may be overactive in some conditions.

Lupus

Hydroxychloroquine is used in the long-term treatment of autoimmune diseases, particularly lupus systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE).

Porphyria Cutanea Tarda

Hydroxychloroquine is used in the treatment of porphyria cutanea tarda, a blood disorder that affects the skin.

Pharmacology

Hydroxychloroquine increases lysosomal pH in antigen-presenting cells. In inflammatory conditions, it blocks toll-like receptors on plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs).

Side Effects

Common side effects include vomiting, headache, changes in vision, and muscle weakness. Severe side effects may include allergic reactions, vision problems, and heart problems.

History

Hydroxychloroquine was approved for medical use in the United States in 1955. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the safest and most effective medicines needed in a health system.