Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)

Category:

• Antimalarial

Description:

• 4- aminoquinoline

Indications:

• Malaria prophylaxis

• Malaria treatment

• Lupus Erythematosus and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Contraindications:

• Retinal or visual field changes of any etiology

Precautions:

• Pregnancy category C

• Take with food or milk to decrease gastrointestinal side effects.

• Report signs of “chinconism” (tinnitis, headache, nausea, vision changes)

• Dosages expressed in form of Hydroxychloroquine base:

  • Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate 200mg = Hydroxychloroquine base 60mg

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, anorexia, stomach pain

• Chinconism

• Muscle pain

• Rash  

Dosage:

• Administered orally

• Dosages listed in Hydroxychloroquine base strength (HB)

• Malaria prophylaxis:

  • Begin treatment 1-2 weeks prior, during and 4 weeks post travel to endemic area

  • Administer dose on same day every week

  • Adult: 310mg HB once every week

  • Child: (dosed per age or weight (5mg HB per kg)

    • < 1 year old: 37.5mg HB

    • 1-3 years old: 75mg HB

    • 4-6 years old: 100mg HB

    • 7-10 years old: 150mg HB

    • 11-16 years old: 225mg HB

• Malaria treatment:

  • Initial dose:

    • Adult: 620mg CB

    • Child: 10mg/kg

  • Second dose (6 hours later)

    • Adult: 310mg CB

    • Child: 5mg/kg CB

  • Doses days 2 & 3:

    • Adult: 310mg CB

    • Child: 5mg/kg CB