Plaquenil
Formulated to alleviate symptoms of autoimmune conditions, intended to support joint health and relieve inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Strengths: 200 · 400mg
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Medicine details
- Therapeutic class
Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drug (DMARD)
- Pharmacological class
4-Aminoquinoline
- Contraindications
retinal damage; hypersensitivity to 4-aminoquinoline derivatives
- Precautions and warnings
regular eye exams required for long-term use; may affect blood glucose
- Minor side effects
nausea; abdominal discomfort
- Moderate side effects
skin rash; headache
- Dosage forms
Film-coated tablet
- Administration route
Oral use
- Prescription status
POM
- Manufacturer
Sanofi
- Onset Time
4–12 weeks
- Duration
long term
- Storage instructions
Store below 25°C in a dry place.
- Drug interactions
digoxin; ciclosporin
- Age restrictions
Adults.
Serious side effects
retinopathy — requires immediate medical attention; cardiomyopathy — requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
Formulated to alleviate symptoms of autoimmune conditions, intended to support joint health and relieve inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Mechanism of action
Hydroxychloroquine acts as an immunomodulator. It reduces the body's inflammatory response by interfering with antigen processing and lysosomal activity within cells, which helps lower the severity of autoimmune flare-ups and provides a protective effect in chronic disease management.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: benefits should outweigh risks, discuss with specialist. Breastfeeding: pass into milk, use with caution.
Plaquenil
Formulated to alleviate symptoms of autoimmune conditions, intended to support joint health and relieve inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Editorial Notes
- Active ingredient(s): Hydroxychloroquine
- Listed indication(s): Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Usually available as
- 180 tablets - 200 mg989-200-mg-12391
- 90 tablets - 400 mg989-400-mg-12397