Hydroxychloroquine: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Hydroxychloroquine is an antimalarial and antirheumatic medicine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis in adults, helping to control inflammation associated with the condition. Its effects build up gradually, and the label notes that the full benefit may require weeks to months. It requires a prescription in the United Kingdom and is available as oral tablets, including film-coated tablets.

Hydroxychloroquine treats acute and chronic rheumatoid arthritis in adults. It is also used for systemic lupus erythematosus and chronic discoid lupus erythematosus in adults. These are conditions in which the immune system causes inflammation in the body or skin.

The label also lists treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium vivax in adults and children. It can help prevent malaria in areas where chloroquine resistance has not been reported.

It is not recommended for complicated malaria, resistant malaria, or malaria acquired where chloroquine resistance occurs. It does not prevent relapses caused by dormant liver forms of Plasmodium vivax or Plasmodium ovale.

As an antirheumatic medicine, hydroxychloroquine changes some of the signals and processes involved in the immune response. This can reduce the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Its action builds up over time rather than giving an immediate effect.

As an antimalarial, it interferes with processes that malaria parasites need to survive inside red blood cells. Its activity does not cover the dormant liver forms responsible for some malaria relapses.

The label lists oral tablets and film-coated oral tablets in strengths of 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg and 400 mg. The label lists an initial adult rheumatoid arthritis dosage of 400 mg to 600 mg daily, as a single daily dose or divided doses. The label lists ongoing adult rheumatoid arthritis treatment of 200 mg once daily to 400 mg daily, as a single dose or divided doses.

The label lists 200 mg once daily or 400 mg once daily or in divided doses for systemic lupus erythematosus and chronic discoid lupus erythematosus in adults. The label lists adult malaria prevention at 400 mg once a week, beginning 2 weeks before travel and continuing during travel and for 4 weeks afterwards.

The label describes oral administration with food or milk and states that tablets must not be crushed or divided. The effect in rheumatoid arthritis builds gradually and may require weeks to months for maximum benefit.

A missed dose can interrupt the prescribed treatment schedule. Do not double a dose to make up for a missed one. Check the dispensing label or ask a pharmacist for advice, particularly for malaria treatment or prevention, where the timing differs from treatment for arthritis or lupus.

Published studies and long clinical experience have not identified a medicine-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. However, the studies have limitations, and hydroxychloroquine crosses the placenta. Untreated or more active malaria, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus carry pregnancy risks.

Hydroxychloroquine is present in breast milk at low levels, and no adverse reactions have been reported in breastfed infants. Its effect on milk production is unknown. Decisions about breastfeeding should consider the mother's treatment needs, breastfeeding benefits and potential risks.

The label specifies storage at 20° to 25°C, with excursions permitted between 15° and 30°C. Keep the tablets in a tight, light-resistant container to maintain quality.