Plaquenil, also known as hydroxychloroquine, is a malaria medication used to treat or prevent the disease caused by parasites that enter the body through a mosquito bite. It is not effective against all strains of malaria, nor is it effective in areas where the infection has developed resistance to a similar drug known as chloroquine. Plaquenil is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis symptoms as well as discoid or systemic lupus erythematosus.
What Is Plaquenil?
Plaquenil, also known by its generic name hydroxychloroquine, is a prescription medication primarily used to treat autoimmune conditions. It is commonly prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and certain other inflammatory diseases. The standard dosage often comes in the form of Plaquenil 200 mg tablets, which are taken orally as directed by a healthcare provider.
One of the key Plaquenil uses includes reducing inflammation and managing immune system overactivity in chronic conditions. It may also be used off-label for other conditions when recommended by a doctor. While Plaquenil is effective in treating autoimmune diseases, caution is needed for patients with psoriasis. In some cases, Plaquenil and psoriasis do not mix well, as the drug may trigger or worsen psoriasis symptoms. Therefore, a detailed consultation with a specialist is crucial before starting treatment.
Plaquenil Uses
Plaquenil tablet is used for:
Prevention or treatment of malaria: Caused by mosquito bites.
Autoimmune diseases, Such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
A type of medication known as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARDs).
Helps with lupus skin problems and arthritis swelling/pain.
Usage Instructions
Take with food to avoid stomach upset.
Follow your doctor's instructions for dosage and duration.
For Malaria Prevention:
Take orally once a week on the same day each week.
Start one to two weeks before entering the malarious area.
Continue weekly while in the area and for 4 to 8 weeks after leaving.
What is Plaquenil used for? Lupus or Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Take orally as directed, usually once or twice daily.
Dosage might be gradually increased.
After improvement, the dosage may be decreased to find the best dose with minimal side effects.
Dosage Instructions for Plaquenil
Drug interactions can alter medication effectiveness or increase the risk of serious complications.
Maintain a list of all products you use and share it with your doctor.
Do not start, stop, or change dosage without consulting your doctor.
Notable drugs that may interact with Plaquenil: Penicillamine and remdesivir.
Overdose
An overdose can be accidental.
Taking more than prescribed can lead to serious medical emergencies.
If overdose occurs, seek immediate medical attention.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, skip it and return to your regular schedule.
Do not double the dose to catch up.
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
Plaquenil can cause side effects like eye damage, nausea, and skin rashes by accumulating in body tissues. It interferes with immune and lysosomal activity, which can disrupt cellular function in the eyes, skin, and gastrointestinal tract.
Before taking Plaquenil, it is important to understand potential health risks and precautions. Individuals with a history of retinal disorders, liver or kidney problems, or allergic reactions to hydroxychloroquine should inform their healthcare provider.
Who Should Avoid This Medicine?
Plaquenil 200 mg is not recommended for pregnant women unless clearly advised by a doctor. Similarly, children under 6 years or those who cannot swallow tablets should avoid this medication. Individuals with known allergies to chloroquine compounds must also avoid taking Plaquenil tablets.
Conditions Where Caution Is Needed
People with liver conditions, heart disease, or a history of seizures should use Plaquenil with caution. Those with psoriasis may experience worsened symptoms, and a physician must weigh the risks versus benefits before prescribing Plaquenil for psoriasis.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Using Plaquenil?
Yes, there are age restrictions. Plaquenil 200 mg is generally not advised for young children due to the risk of toxicity if overdosed. Elderly patients may require dosage adjustments and closer monitoring due to potential vision-related side effects from long term use of Plaquenil.
Alcohol or Food Interactions
Plaquenil has minimal known interactions with food, but alcohol consumption should be limited. Alcohol may increase the risk of liver damage, especially when taken with other medications. For optimal Plaquenil benefits, a healthy lifestyle and diet are recommended.
Possible Interactions with Other Medications
Overview of How This Medicine May Interact with Other Drugs
Plaquenil tablets may interact with medications used to treat diabetes, seizures, or heart rhythm issues. Such drug interactions can alter blood levels or amplify side effects. Always share a complete medication list with your doctor before beginning Plaquenil.
Possible Impact When Combined with Supplements or Herbal Products
Taking Plaquenil with herbal supplements such as ginseng, echinacea, or St. John s Wort may interfere with its effectiveness or increase immune-related side effects. Patients should disclose all supplements and vitamins during medical visits to ensure the safe use of Plaquenil medicine.
How Should Plaquenil Be Stored?
Proper storage is essential to maintain the effectiveness of Plaquenil 200 mg tablets. Always store them in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
Recommended Storage Temperature for Plaquenil
Store Plaquenil at a controlled room temperature between 15°C and 25°C (59°F and 77°F). Avoid storing in humid environments like bathrooms, as moisture can affect the tablet s stability.
What Happens If Plaquenil Is Not Stored Properly?
If Plaquenil tablets are not stored correctly, they may lose potency or become unsafe to use. Exposure to heat, moisture, or direct sunlight may lead to degradation, compromising the treatment s success.
Plaquenil vs Otrexup
Plaquenil
Otrexup
Malaria and autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are treated.
Inflammation and cell replication are reduced.
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is an effective treatment for autoimmune diseases and malaria, with fewer side effects than other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
Otrexup (methotrexate) is the first-line treatment for many cancers and arthritis, but it has a long list of side effects.
Used for treating the following: Rheumatoid arthritis Lupus Malaria
Used for treating the following: Cancer Juvenile arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis Psoriasis Crohn disease Lupus
This drug is also used to treat auto-immune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis). It is a type of medication known as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARDs). It can help with lupus skin problems and arthritis swelling/pain.
If you have previously experienced changes in your vision while taking rheumatoid arthritis or malaria medications, do not take Plaquenil. Plaquenil should not be given to children under the age of six. Plaquenil should not be used in children over the age of 6 for an extended period of time.
Plaquenil is a very slow-acting medication. You should feel better in 1 to 3 months. You may continue to improve for a year. Plaquenil is commonly used in conjunction with other pain and stiffness medications.
In patients with HIV infection and inflammatory arthritis, HCQ may have anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects at the same time. If larger studies confirm this finding, it may become the drug of choice in this patient population.
Treatment with hydroxychloroquine can result in bone marrow depression, anemia, aplastic anemia, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis, and a worsening of porphyria. High doses and long-term use are risk factors. Patients on long-term therapy should have full blood counts performed on a regular basis.
In some cases, this might cause weight gain and in some patients, it leads to weight loss.
Hydroxychloroquine is used to treat arthritis by reducing inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain, as well as controlling the symptoms of lupus erythematosus (lupus). Plaquenil is the brand name for hydroxychloroquine.
Because hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has been linked to lower levels of cholesterol, blood sugar, and the tendency of blood to clot – all of which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease – researchers investigated the link between HCQ use and the occurrence of heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots (in lungs or deep veins).
The side effects of Plaquenil range from more common, mild issues such as headache, nausea, and stomach pain to serious but uncommon conditions such as heart problems, muscle weakness, and convulsions. Higher doses and long-term treatment may increase the risk of side effects.
Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, take this medication with meals or milk to reduce stomach upset. Even if you feel better after the first few doses, continue to take this medication for the duration of your treatment. If you stop taking the medication too soon, your infection may not clear up.
Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.
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