TabletsClinical Overview
Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate is a 4-aminoquinoline derivative related to chloroquine with improved ocular safety. It concentrates in cellular lysosomes, increasing intralysosomal pH and interfering with antigen processing, Toll-like receptor signaling, and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Indicated for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, discoid lupus, and malaria treatment/chemoprophylaxis in chloroquine-sensitive areas.
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
Verified Clinical References
Usage Guidelines
Take orally with food or a glass of milk to prevent gastrointestinal upset. Swallow whole; do not crush or chew. Take consistently at the same time each day. It may take several weeks to months to observe maximal therapeutic response in autoimmune disorders.
General Administration Advice: Adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage, frequency, and treatment course. For oral medications, swallow with sufficient water. Never stop antibiotics, psychiatric medications, or antihypertensives abruptly without clinical direction.
Possible Side Effects
Common: Nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, headache, loss of appetite, skin rash. Rare/Severe: Irreversible retinal toxicity (retinopathy/macular degeneration), cardiomyopathy, QT prolongation, hypoglycemia, bone marrow failure, and suicidal ideation.
*Note: Individual physiological responses vary. While many patients experience few or no side effects, notify your treating physician if adverse reactions persist or if hypersensitivity (angioedema, skin rash, dyspnea) occurs.
Precautions & Warnings
Baseline and annual ophthalmologic screening (OCT, visual fields) is mandatory during chronic treatment to detect early retinopathy. Caution in patients with hepatic/renal impairment, G6PD deficiency, or porphyria. Monitor blood glucose closely in diabetic patients.
Schedule H (Prescription Required)
This medication is scheduled under statutory drug regulatory frameworks (CDSCO / Drugs & Cosmetics Rules). Dispensing requires a valid medical prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Self-medication or unsupervised dosage adjustment carries significant clinical risks.
Medical Disclaimer: Statutory Clinical Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational and price-transparency purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, clinical diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Always consult a registered medical practitioner or qualified pharmacist before initiating, modifying, or substituting any medication regimen.