This medicine is used for the following purposes:
- arthritis
- autoimmune disorder
- blood disorder
- prevent malaria
- malaria
- calcium removal
- skin inflammation
- infections caused by bacteria
Brand Name(s): Plaquenil
Generic Name: Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate
Instructions
Swallow the medicine without crushing or chewing it.
Take the medicine with food.
Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.
Do not take antacids within 4 hours before or after this medicine.
Tell your doctor if you have severe or persistent sweating, diarrhea or vomiting. These can increase your risk of a serious side effect.
This medicine can make you sensitive to the sun. Use sunscreen or protective clothing when in sun.
It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.
If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.
This medicine may cause low blood sugar. Eat regular meals and exercise as instructed by your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have symptoms of low blood sugar such as nausea, sweating, cold skin, fast heartbeat, hunger, and irritability.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Cautions
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.
Taking this medicine in high doses or for a long time can damage the eyes and cause blindness. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor immediately if you notice any changes in vision. These changes may be blurred vision, light streaks or flashes, or swelling or color changes in the eye.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.
This medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.
During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.
Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- decreased appetite
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- headaches
- nausea and vomiting
- stomach upset or abdominal pain
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- loss of balance
- change in behavior
- bleeding or bruising
- confusion
- depression or feeling sad
- ear problems (ringing in the ears, hearing loss)
- swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
- fainting
- fever
- changes in hair color
- hair loss
- numbness or tingling in hands and feet
- hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
- fast, irregular, or slow heartbeat
- signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
- seeing flashes or halos around lights
- sensitivity to light
- signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
- mood changes
- uncontrollable movement of face, tongue, arms or legs
- muscle aches, spasms or abnormal movements
- muscle weakness
- pale or blue skin, lips or fingernails
- seizures
- shortness of breath
- suicidal thoughts
- swelling in the neck or throat
- blurring or changes of vision
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
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More information about HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE - ORAL
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Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.