Hydroxychloroquine is a medication used to treat malaria, lupus, porphyria, and rhematoid arthritis, according to the Mayo Clinic and Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews: Pharmacology. The trade name for hydroxychloroquine in the U.S. is Plaquenil. The medication comes in oral tablet form usually as 200 mg and is usually taken either once a week or daily depending upon the condition the medication is being used to treat. Patients are instructed to take the medication with food or milk.
Skin
Hydroxychloroquine can cause a drug-induced change in skin pigmentation and Stevens Johnson Syndrome. Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a very dangerous rash that leads to layers of dead skin that fall off according to the Mayo Clinic.
Gastrointestinal
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are all common side effects of hydroxychloroquine. Gastrointestinal side effects of medications are common and can be improved by taking hydroxycholoroquine with meals.
Muscles
Hydroxychloroquine can cause a drug-induced myopathy. A myopathy is a condition of muscle dysfunction leading to weakness.
Neurologic
Hydroxychloroquine can cause a variety of neurologic changes, including retinopathy, headache, seizures and ototoxicity. Retinopathy is a visual condition and can lead to blindness. Ototoxicity refers to the potential of hydroxychloroquine to alter the sense of hearing.
Cardiovascular
Torsade de pointes is a dangerous heart rhythm that can occur as result of taking hydroxychloroquine. It is a rare heart rhythm and can lead to death.
Hematologic/Blood
Hydroxychloroquine can cause a condition known as agranulocytosis. Agranulocytosis is a condition that occurs when the bone marrow cannot make enough neutrophils, a type of white blood cell. People who develop agranulocytosis are susceptible to serious infections due to a suppressed immune system.
References
- "Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews: Pharmacology"; Dr. Richard Harvey and Dr Pamela Champe (eds.); 2006.
- Epocrates.com: Hydroxychloroquine
- Mayoclinic.com: Hydroxychloroquine
- Mayoclinic.com: Stevens Johnson Syndrome
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