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EspañolPlaquenil overview
BRAND NAMES:
Plaquenil
Generic Names:
Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate
Uses:
Prevents and treats malaria. Also treats lupus and arthritis. Also treats coronavirus (COVID-19) in certain hospitalized patients.
Therapeutic Classes:
Antimalarial, Antirheumatic
Forms:
Tablet
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What form(s) does Plaquenil come in
Tablet
What are common Plaquenil doses?
Tablet 200MG
Common Plaquenil prescriptions
Plaquenil
60 tablets bottlePlaquenil
200mg tablet
How to take Plaquenil
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
What to do if you miss a dose of Plaquenil
You should not use two doses at the same time.
If you take one dose a week, take the missed dose as soon as possible. Then return to your regular dosing schedule.
If you take one or more doses daily, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take your medicine and skip the missed dose.
Plaquenil contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to hydroxychloroquine or similar medicines. This medicine may increase your risk of heart rhythm problems (including QT prolongation, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia). Hydroxychloroquine should only be used for COVID-19 in a hospital or during clinical trials. Do not take any medicine that contains hydroxychloroquine unless prescribed by your doctor.
Plaquenil warnings
This medicine may cause the following problems:Changes in vision, eye damageHeart problemsChanges in heart rhythm, including as QT prolongationMuscle and nerve problemChanges in mood or behaviorLow blood sugar levelsSerious skin reactions
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, diabetes, stomach or bowel problems, nerve problems, blood disorders (including G6PD deficiency, porphyria), psoriasis, or vision or eye problems. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
Plaquenil interactions
Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
Take antacids or kaolin at least 4 hours before or after taking this medicine.
Some medicines can affect how hydrochloroquine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Ampicillin, azithromycin, cimetidine, cyclosporine, digoxin, mefloquine, methotrexate, praziquantel, tamoxifenMedicine for diabetes, including insulinMedicine for heart rhythm problemsMedicine for seizures
Plaquenil side effects
Serious Side Effects
Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
Unusual changes in mood or behavior, or thoughts of hurting yourself or others
Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
Increased hunger, headache, confusion, shaking, trembling, sweating
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Blurred vision, hearing problems
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Less Serious Side Effects
Tiredness
Diarrhea
Bleaching of hair or loss of hair
Appetite loss
Diarrhea