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What is Plaquenil
HydroxychloroquineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryHydroxychloroquine is a medication used to treat and prevent malaria. It is also used to treat autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, discoid lupus erythematosus, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Hydroxychloroquine was developed during World War II as a less severe alternative to quinacrine, and was approved by the FDA in 1955. In 2020, the FDA revoked its emergency use authorization for the treatment of COVID-19 due to a fatality in the group being treated with hydroxychloroquine.
Plaquenilis the brand name
Plaquenil Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Plaquenil
Hydroxychloroquine
1955
107
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Hydroxychloroquine, also known as Plaquenil, is approved by the FDA for 14 uses which include Lupus and Malaria .Lupus
Malaria
Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid
Malaria
Plasmodium Infections
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Helps manage Rheumatoid Arthritis
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE)
Uncomplicated Malaria caused by Plasmodium ovale
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
uncomplicated Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum
Uncomplicated Malaria caused by Plasmodium Vivax
Malaria
Malaria
Malaria
Effectiveness
How Plaquenil Affects PatientsHydroxychloroquine affects the functioning of a certain cell structure in humans and malaria. This alters the pH of the cells, which can help treat autoimmune diseases and makes it harder for malaria to get energy from hemoglobin. Hydroxychloroquine is generally taken once a week, but people with diabetes should keep track of their blood sugar levels as it can cause low blood sugar. It is not effective against malaria in areas where chloroquine resistance has been reported.
How Plaquenil works in the bodyHydroxychloroquine works in a few different ways to fight against malaria and other viruses. It accumulates in the parasite's lysosomes, which raises the acidity and makes it harder for the parasite to feed on hemoglobin. It can also block the action of the parasite's heme polymerase. In humans, the drug raises acidity in cells, preventing them from presenting antigens to autoimmune cells. It also reduces the release of inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, it raises acidity in endosomes, which blocks viruses from fusing and entering cells. Finally, it prevents the glycosylation of ACE
When to interrupt dosage
The suggested measure of Plaquenil is contingent upon the recognized ailment, including Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid, Sjögren's Syndrome and Malaria. The dosage likewise fluctuates as per the technique of administration (e.g. Oral or Tablet) outlined in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Q Fever
, 200.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 100.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Enteral, Tablet, film coated - Enteral
Malaria
, 200.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 100.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Enteral, Tablet, film coated - Enteral
Rheumatoid Arthritis
, 200.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 100.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Enteral, Tablet, film coated - Enteral
Lupus
, 200.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 100.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Enteral, Tablet, film coated - Enteral
Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid
, 200.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 100.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Enteral, Tablet, film coated - Enteral
Malaria
, 200.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 100.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Enteral, Tablet, film coated - Enteral
Malaria
, 200.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 100.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Enteral, Tablet, film coated - Enteral
Malaria
, 200.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 100.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Enteral, Tablet, film coated - Enteral
Malaria
, 200.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 100.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Enteral, Tablet, film coated - Enteral
Porphyria Cutanea Tarda
, 200.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 100.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Enteral, Tablet, film coated - Enteral
Warnings
Plaquenil ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Hydroxychloroquine may interact with Pulse Frequency
Common Plaquenil Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
2-Methoxyethanol
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Hydroxychloroquine is combined with 2-Methoxyethanol.
7-Nitroindazole
Major
The therapeutic efficacy of 7-Nitroindazole can be decreased when used in combination with Hydroxychloroquine.
9-(N-methyl-L-isoleucine)-cyclosporin A
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Hydroxychloroquine is combined with 9-(N-methyl-L-isoleucine)-cyclosporin A.
Abetimus
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Hydroxychloroquine is combined with Abetimus.
Acebutolol
Major
The risk or severity of QTc prolongation can be decreased when Hydroxychloroquine is combined with Acebutolol.
Plaquenil Toxicity & Overdose RiskAn overdose of hydroxychloroquine can result in headache, drowsiness, vision problems, extreme fatigue, low potassium levels, and abnormal heart rhythms. To treat the overdose, a person should receive activated charcoal at least five times the dose of hydroxychloroquine within 30 minutes and may additionally receive Diazepam, blood transfusions, fluids, and ammonium chloride to help excrete the drug. They may also receive epinephrine if necessary. Patients should be monitored for at least 6 hours after treatment.
Plaquenil Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Plaquenil?
There are 141 ongoing clinical trials to determine the effectiveness of Plaquenil in treating Rheumatoid Arthritis, Q Fever and Porphyria Cutanea Tarda.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Lupus
62 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 4
Q Fever
0 Actively Recruiting
Malaria
0 Actively Recruiting
Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2
Malaria
0 Actively Recruiting
Malaria
0 Actively Recruiting
Rheumatoid Arthritis
54 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 3, Phase 2, Phase 1
Malaria
0 Actively Recruiting
Porphyria Cutanea Tarda
0 Actively Recruiting
Malaria
0 Actively Recruiting
Plaquenil Reviews: What are patients saying about Plaquenil?
5Patient Review
1/1/2018 I had a serious reaction to this drug. My body broke out in hives, then turned purple, and I looked like a giant bruise. Then it peeled- there was not a spot on my body that did not peel. I retained water, my legs and arms swelled causing major blisters that left permanent scars on my legs, and I also had hair loss. This caused me to miss 3 weeks of work- it was a HORRIBLE experience.
4.7Patient Review
3/19/2018 I implore you to not be scared off by the potential side effects you might read about online. This drug completely changed my life for the better; it saved me from a lot of pain and suffering. Yes, there can be some gastrointestinal issues at first, but they're nothing that time and patience can't fix.
4Patient Review
8/29/2018 I've been taking this medication for five months to help manage my mild RA. I'm glad to report that it's helped reduce my pain and morning stiffness significantly.
3.7Patient Review
7/21/2019 This medication has helped me with my joint pain, however I've been having issues with my eyes every two to three weeks. They get red and itchy, and the light really bothers them. My doctor says it's allergy related.
3.7Patient Review
4/22/2017 This medication is decreasing the inflammation and pain I was experiencing. At first, my doctor said to take it in the morning after breakfast but that made me too nauseous because there wasn't enough food in my system. So, I switched to taking it after dinner instead and haven't had any problems since. Additionally, it's cleared up scabs on my arms that wouldn't heal for years. So far so good--no hair loss yet either but I've only been on the medication for one month.
Patient Q&A Section about plaquenil
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.Is Plaquenil a steroid?
"Plaquenil falls into a group of drugs called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which are used to decrease inflammation that does the damage in many types of arthritis."
Answered by AI
What are the most common side effects of Plaquenil?
"You could experience some side effects from taking this medication, such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, dizziness, or headache. If any of these effects last or get worse, let your doctor or pharmacist know. Keep in mind that your doctor prescribed this medication because they believe the benefits to you are greater than any potential risks of side effects."
Answered by AI
What does Plaquenil do to the eyes?
"Plaquenil interferes with retinal pigment cells, which can result in blurry or distorted vision. In severe cases, the macula (the central part of the retina that provides clear vision) may be completely destroyed."
Answered by AI
What is Plaquenil prescribed for?
"Hydroxychloroquine is a drug that is used to prevent and treat malaria. It is classified as a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD). DMARDs are drugs that can decrease the pain and swelling of arthritis, as well as prevent joint damage and reduce the risk of long-term disability."
Answered by AI