About Hydroxychloroquine 200 mg Tablet
Hydroxychloroquine 200 mg Tablet contains Hydroxychloroquine 200 mg. This medicine is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, and to prevent and treat some types of malaria. In arthritis and lupus it calms an overactive immune system, but it takes several weeks to months to work. Regular eye checks are needed during long-term use.
Uses of Hydroxychloroquine 200 mg Tablet
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus (systemic and discoid lupus erythematosus)
- Prevention and treatment of some types of malaria
Benefits
In rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
It helps reduce joint pain, swelling, skin rashes and tiredness, and may lower the number of flare-ups. It controls the condition but does not cure it.
In malaria
It can prevent or treat malaria caused by parasites that are still sensitive to it, as decided by a doctor.
Side effects
Most side effects are mild and settle as your body gets used to the medicine. Talk to your doctor if any of them bother you or do not go away.
Common
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Skin rash
- Loss of appetite
Get medical help if you notice
- Blurred vision, difficulty reading, seeing flashes or missing areas in your vision — stop and see your doctor
- Low blood sugar: shaking, sweating, hunger, confusion — eat something sugary and get medical help
- Fast, irregular or pounding heartbeat, or fainting — get medical help straight away
- Mood changes, confusion, or thoughts of self-harm — contact your doctor straight away
- Severe skin rash with blistering or peeling — stop and get medical help
- Allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed, with food or milk to reduce stomach upset. Swallow the tablet whole with water.
How it works
In arthritis and lupus, it changes the way certain immune cells work, reducing inflammation. In malaria, it stops the parasite from digesting the blood it needs to survive.
Safety advice
Alcohol Caution
Keep alcohol to a minimum. It can add to stomach upset and liver strain.
Pregnancy Consult your doctor
It is sometimes continued in pregnancy, especially for lupus, but only if your doctor advises it. Do not stop it on your own.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
Small amounts pass into breast milk. Ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
Driving Caution
It may cause blurred vision. Do not drive if your eyesight is affected.
Kidney Caution
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease; the dose may need to be changed.
Liver Caution
Tell your doctor if you have liver disease; it may need monitoring.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Have your eyes checked as your doctor advises during long-term use.
- Keep a gap of at least 4 hours between this and antacids.
- It may take several weeks to months to feel the benefit in arthritis or lupus.
- Keep it well out of reach of children — even a small number of tablets can be dangerous for a child.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- 4-aminoquinoline
- Therapeutic class
- Bone & joint / immunology; antimalarial
- Action class
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD); antimalarial
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Antacids | Reduce its absorption; keep them at least 4 hours apart |
| Medicines that affect heart rhythm (such as some antibiotics and antidepressants) | Higher risk of heart rhythm problems |
| Insulin and diabetes medicines | Higher risk of low blood sugar |
| Digoxin | Levels of digoxin may rise |
| Ciclosporin | Levels of ciclosporin may rise |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Hydroxychloroquine sulfate prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); NICE BNF: hydroxychloroquine sulfate). Pharmacist review pending.