Hydroxychloroquine - it is a multifunctional organic chemical compound. It is a derivative of chloroquine, developed in 1946 and introduced to the US market in 1955. It is one of the quinoline drugs used against malaria. Several medicinal products containing hydroxychloroquine are available on the Polish market.
Hydroxychloroquine composition
Tablet (Plaquenil, 200 mg): the active ingredient is hydroxychloroquine. Excipients:
- lactose monohydrate,
- corn starch,
- magnesium stearate,
- polypovidon,
- hypromellose,
- makrogol,
- titanium dioxide (E171).
Action of hydroxychloroquine
Hydroxychlorchine has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. This compound causes the pH change in the parasite's lysosomes and disrupts the ability to break down hemoglobin.
Hydroxychloroquine acts on the heme polymerase of the parasite, which leads to the accumulation of a toxic product such as beta-hematin.
This drug is active in human lysosomes, contributing to a reduction in inflammatory activity and a decrease in low-affinity autoantigen presentation.
It reduces the secretion of cytokines such as interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factors, inhibits the proliferation of T lymphocytes and monocytes, as well as other inflammatory and immune mechanisms, such as inhibition of phagocytosis and phospholipase A2.
Use of hydroxychloroquine
Hydroxychloroquine found application:
- in the treatment of some strains of malaria (Plasmodium vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale and susceptible P. falciparum),
- in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis,
- systemic lupus erythematosus
- and arthritis in the course of Lyme disease.
This substance has aroused the interest of scientists in the treatment of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, as it has the ability to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Indications for the use of hydroxychloroquine
The use of hydroxychloroquine is recommended, primarily in the treatment of malaria.
Contraindications to the use of hydroxychloroquine
Do not use the drug inif you are allergic to hydroxychloroquine or to any of the modules listed in the composition of the drug.
Hydroxychloroquine dosage
The drug should be used as described in the patient information leaflet or according to specific guidelines and recommendations of a doctor or pharmacist. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Precautions
Hydroxychloroquine should be used with caution in patients with:
- problems with the digestive tract,
- impaired liver function,
- neurological diseases,
- Quinine sensitivity
- or with confirmed porphyria.
Hydroxychloroquine may cause dangerous effects on the heart, especially when the patient is also taking other medications for:
- infection,
- asthma,
- heart problems,
- depression,
- cancer,
- malaria
- or HIV.
Long-term use of the drug may affect blood counts due to the risk of bone marrow suppression. In addition, high doses of hydroxychloroquine may contribute to irreversible damage to the retina of the eye, which may lead to permanent vision problems. Do not give the drug to children under 6 years of age.
Side effects of hydroxychloroquine
Hydroxychloroquine can cause, among others :
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- stomach ache,
- headache,
- dizziness,
- loss of appetite,
- diarrhea,
- rash,
- tinnitus
- or blurred vision.
Interaction with other drugs and diseases
In order to avoid undesirable ailments, inform the doctor or pharmacist about all drugs currently or recently used, as well as about drugs that the patient is going to use. You should also inform your doctor about your current he alth condition, about any diseases or additional conditions you are struggling with.
Hydroxychloroquine should not be used primarily with:
- with the antibiotic azithromycin (Zithromax),
- cimetidine (Tagamet),
- cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune),
- digoxin (Lanoxin),
- insulin and oral diabetes medications
- and seizure medications such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, Tegretol, Teril) and others.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Before taking the drug, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The use of hydroxychloroquine in women is generally not recommendedpregnancy and during breastfeeding.
Storing medicine
The drug should be stored in a suitable place that is invisible and inaccessible to children.
Store in a dry place below 25 ° C in the original packaging.
The drug should not be used after the expiry date stated on the package. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.