Hydroxychloroquine is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

These highlights do not include all the information needed to use HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE SULFATE TABLETS safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE SULFATE TABLETS.
HYDROXYCHLOROQUIN SULFATE tablets, for oral use
Initial U.S. Approval: 1955

Indications and Usage for Hydroxychloroquine Tablets

Hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets is an antimalarial and antirheumatic indicated for the:

• Treatment of uncomplicated malaria due to Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium vivax in adult and pediatric patients.
• Prophylaxis of malaria in geographic areas where chloroquine resistance is not reported in adult and pediatric patients.
• Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in adults.
• Treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus in adults.
• Treatment of chronic discoid lupus erythematosus in adults.

Limitations of Use

• Hydroxychloroquine sulfate Tablets is not recommended for the:
• Treatment of complicated malaria.
• Treatment of chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine-resistant strains of Plasmodium species.
• Treatment of malaria acquired in geographic areas where chloroquine resistance occurs or when the Plasmodium species has not been identified.
• Prophylaxis of malaria in geographic areas where chloroquine resistance occurs.
• Prevention of relapses of P. vivax or P. ovale because it is not active against the hypnozoite liver stage forms of these parasites. For radical cure of P. vivax and P. ovale infections, concomitant therapy with an 8-aminoquinoline drug is necessary.

Hydroxychloroquine Tablets Dosage and Administration

Malaria in Adult and Pediatric Patients :

• Prophylaxis: Begin weekly doses 2 weeks prior to travel to the endemic area, continue weekly doses while in the endemic area, and continue the weekly doses for 4 weeks after leaving the endemic area:
• Adults: 400 mg once a week
• Pediatric patients ≥ 31 kg: 6.5 mg/kg up to 400 mg, once a week
• Treatment of Uncomplicated Malaria: See Full Prescribing Information
• (FPI) for complete dosing information.

Rheumatoid Arthritis in Adults:

• Initial dosage: 400 mg to 600 mg daily
• Chronic dosage: 200 mg once daily or 400 mg once daily (or in two divided doses)

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Adults:

• 200 mg once daily or 400 mg once daily (or in two divided doses)

Chronic Discoid Lupus Erythematosus in Adults :

• 200 mg once daily or 400 mg once daily (or in two divided doses)

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Tablets: 200 mg of hydroxychloroquine sulfate

Contraindications

• Patients with hypersensitivity to 4-aminoquinoline compounds

Warnings and Precautions

• Cardiomyopathy and Ventricular Arrhythmias: Fatal or life-threatening cardiomyopathy and ventricular arrhythmias were reported.
• Retinal Toxicity: Irreversible retinal damage is related to cumulative dosage and treatment duration. Baseline retinal exam and exams during treatment are recommended.
• Serious Skin Reactions: Stevens Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis have been reported.
• Worsening of Psoriasis and Porphyria: Avoid in patients with psoriasis or porphyria.
• Hematologic Toxicity: Discontinue if myelosuppression occurs.
• Renal Toxicity: Consider phospholipidosis as a possible cause of renal injury in patients with underlying connective tissue disorders. Discontinue hydroxychloroquine sulfate if renal toxicity is suspected or demonstrated by tissue biopsy in any organ system.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

The most common adverse reactions reported are: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Drug Interactions

• Drugs Prolonging QT Interval and Other Arrhythmogenic Drugs.