What is Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate Tablets?

Hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets are a common drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile chronic arthritis. In addition, it has a good therapeutic effect on systemic lupus erythematosus and skin lesions caused by sunlight. When using hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets, you should be aware of some precautions to avoid adverse reactions caused by improper use of the drug. Also, pay attention to usage and dosage. Children should use the smallest effective dose.

Indications

Rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile chronic arthritis, discoid and systemic lupus erythematosus, and skin lesions triggered or aggravated by sunlight.

Dosage

The initial dose for adults (including the elderly) is 400 mg per day, taken in divided doses. When the therapeutic effect is no longer improved, the dose can be reduced to 200 mg for maintenance. If the therapeutic response diminishes, the maintenance dose should be increased to 400 mg per day. The minimum effective dose should be used and should not exceed 6.5 mg/kg/day (calculated from ideal body weight rather than actual body weight) or 400 mg/day, or even less. Children should use the minimum effective dose, which should not exceed 6.5 mg/kg/day (calculated based on ideal body weight) or 400 mg/day, or even less. It is contraindicated for use in children under 6 years of age, and the 200 mg tablet is not suitable for children weighing less than 35 kg. Each dose should be taken with food or milk. Hydroxychloroquine has a cumulative effect and requires several weeks to exert its beneficial effects, while mild adverse effects may occur relatively early. If a rheumatic disease does not improve after 6 months of treatment, treatment should be discontinued. In photosensitivity disorders, treatment should be given only during periods of maximum exposure to sunlight.

Adverse Reactions

1. Retinal changes : Retinal pigmentation changes and visual field defects may occur, but are rarely reported. These changes are reversible after early discontinuation of tamoxifen. If the condition progresses further, there is still a risk of worsening even after discontinuation of this product. Cases of macular lesions and degeneration have been reported and may be irreversible. Patients with retinopathy may be asymptomatic in the early stages or may have paracentral or central annular scotomas, transient blind spots, temporal visual field defects, and abnormal color vision. Corneal changes: Corneal changes have been reported and include corneal edema and opacity, which may be asymptomatic or may cause symptoms such as halos, blurred vision, or photophobia. These symptoms may be temporary or reverse when the drug is stopped. Blurred vision due to accommodative dysfunction is dose-dependent and may be reversible.

2. Skin effects : Rash and pruritus may sometimes occur. Pigmentation changes of skin and mucous membranes, graying of hair and hair loss have also been reported. These symptoms usually recover easily after stopping the drug. Bullous eruptions, including very rare erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug eruption with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS syndrome), photosensitivity, and exfoliative dermatitis have been reported. Very rare cases of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) must be distinguished from psoriasis, although hydroxychloroquine may precipitate a psoriasis flare. Fever and leukocytosis may be associated with hydroxychloroquine. Results usually improve after the drug is stopped. 3. Gastrointestinal effects Gastrointestinal dysfunction may occur, such as nausea, diarrhea, anorexia, abdominal pain and rarely vomiting. These symptoms usually disappear shortly after the dose is reduced or treatment is stopped.

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