Hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine is used in treatment of conditions as Rheumatoid arthritis Inflammatory osteoarthritis Discoid and systemic lupus erythematosus Dermatological conditions caused or aggrevated by sunlight Malaria- suppressive treatment and treatment of acute attacks of malaria due to Plasmodium vivax, P.malariae , P.ovale , and susceptible strains of P.falciparum

PLAQUENIL® 200 mg Film coated Tablets- usual dose is 200-400 mg daily ( not exceeding 6.5 mg/ kg body weight )

Mechanism of action- Quinine is the parent molecule ( antimalarial )Antimalarial action not discussed here Precise mechanism of action not known ( Anti rheumatoid arthritis )Several pharmacological actions may be involved -○ interaction with sulphydryl groups○ inhibiting activity of many enzymes including collagenase and proteases that cause cartilage breakdown○ Bind and alter DNA○ stabilisation of lysosomal membranes○ inhibition of prostaglandin formation○ inhibition of polymorphonuclear cell chemotaxis and phagocytosis○ possible interference with interleukin 1 production from monocytes○ inhibition of neutrophil superoxide releaseResulting in immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive effects Cumulative in action ie will require several weeks to exert its beneficial effect , whereas minor side effects may occur relatively early

Cautions - adverse effects Gastrointestinal - nausea , diarrhoe , anorexia and abdominal pain Skin -rashes , pruritis , pigmentary changes in skin and...