PLAQUENIL 200 MG 60TAB

Each Plaquenil tablet contains 200 mg of hydroxychloroquine sulfate, which is equivalent to 155 mg of the base form. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as antimalarials and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

Plaquenil is used to treat and prevent certain conditions:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Helps relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness by slowing an overactive immune system.
• Lupus Erythematosus: Treats chronic discoid lupus (DLE) and systemic lupus (SLE).
• Malaria: Prevents and treats specific types of malaria infections caused by mosquito bites (not effective against all strains or resistant forms).

Always follow your doctor’s precise instructions. The medication should be swallowed whole with a meal or a glass of milk to minimize stomach upset.

• Adult Dosing for Autoimmune Conditions: Typically ranges from 200 mg to 400 mg daily, as a single or divided dose. The full therapeutic effect may take several weeks to months to be achieved.
• Adult Dosing for Malaria Prophylaxis: Usually 400 mg once weekly on the same day each week, starting 2 weeks before exposure and continuing for 4 weeks after leaving the area.

Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, and dizziness.

Critical Warnings & Precautions:

• Eye Damage (Retinopathy): Long-term use or high doses can lead to irreversible retinal damage. Regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist are crucial for monitoring.
• Heart Problems: Rarely, this medication can cause serious heart rhythm problems or cardiomyopathy (weakened heart muscle). Seek immediate medical attention if you have fast heartbeats, shortness of breath, or sudden dizziness.
• Mental Health Changes: Report any new or worsening depression, mood changes, or suicidal thoughts to a doctor immediately.
• Hypoglycemia: The drug can cause dangerously low blood sugar; monitor levels closely, especially if you have diabetes.