hydroxychloroquine
Brand names: HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE SULFATE
# Consumer-Friendly Overview of Hydroxychloroquine Hydroxychloroquine is a medication that doctors prescribe to treat certain conditions, most commonly malaria and autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. It works by reducing inflammation in the body and fighting the parasites that cause malaria. The medication comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth, usually once or twice a day depending on what condition is being treated and how much the doctor recommends for each patient. When taking hydroxychloroquine, there are some important safety points to remember. You should tell your doctor about all other medicines you're taking, especially medications that affect your heart's rhythm, because hydroxychloroquine can interact with these drugs and cause serious heart problems. Regular eye exams are important since this medication can sometimes affect vision with long-term use. You should also follow your doctor's dosing instructions carefully and report any unusual symptoms like vision changes, muscle weakness, or irregular heartbeats right away. Pregnant women and young children need special consideration before using this drug, so always discuss your full health situation with your doctor.
Taking hydroxychloroquine with other medications?
Check all your medications at once for potential interactions.
Check Your Medications →Most Reported Side Effects (FAERS)
- DRUG INEFFECTIVE41,087 reports
- RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS26,457 reports
- OFF LABEL USE21,793 reports
- PAIN21,523 reports
- ARTHRALGIA18,250 reports
- FATIGUE18,225 reports
- DRUG INTOLERANCE16,336 reports
- JOINT SWELLING15,724 reports
- RASH13,829 reports
- NAUSEA12,851 reports
Source: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Voluntary reports do not establish causation.
Check interactions with hydroxychloroquine:
SafeCheck provides drug interaction information from FDA-approved product labeling (openFDA). This is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions.