Generic Plaquenil to Treat and Prevent malaria

Hydroxychloroquine sulfate is a colorless crystalline solid, which is soluble in water to at least 20 percent. The molecular weight of the drug is 335.872 g/mol and empirical formula C18H26ClN3O. It is sold under the brand name Plaquenil, which comes in tablets with 200 mg hydroxychloroquine sulfate. The route of administration is oral. The exact mechanism by which hydroxychloroquine treats or prevents malaria is not known. It is presumed that the drug exerts its effect by concentrating on the acid vesicles of the parasite and inhibiting certain enzymes.

• Hydroxychloroquine is available in 200mg potency, which should be taken with a glass of milk or a meal to prevent stomach irritation.
• For malaria prophylaxis, take 400 mg once weekly 2 weeks before exposure and continue the same dosage for 4 weeks.
• For malaria treatment, take 800 mg and then 400 mg (310 mg base) after 6 hours and then 24 hours and 48 hours after the first dose.
• For lupus treatment, take it as prescribed by your doctor; 200 to 400 mg daily.
• For rheumatoid arthritis, take 400 mg to 600 mg dosage daily, or as advised by your doctor.
• You should not exceed the dose by more than 600 mg a day. Overdosing could increase the risk of retinopathy, causing vision impairment.

• You should not use hydroxychloroquine tablets if you are allergic to any quinoline drugs, including chloroquine.
• In order to use the drug safely, tell your doctor if you have a history of eye problems, heart disease, arrhythmias, diabetes, stomach disorders, liver/kidney dysfunction, genetic disorders, such as G6PD deficiency.
• Inform your doctor whether you are taking any prescription or OTC drugs because certain drugs interact with hydroxychloroquine.
• It is unclear whether the drug causes harm to a fetus so tell your doctor if you get pregnant during therapy.
• It is also unclear whether hydroxychloroquine passes into breast milk and harm a newborn. So, tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby.

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Ringing in ears
• Nausea or vomiting
• Anorexia
• Mood changes
• Hair loss

• Chest pain or severe dizziness, with pounding heartbeats
• Slow art rate or weak pulse
• Weakness, numbness or tingling in muscles
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) – hunger, sweating, irritability, dizziness
• Allergic reactions: skin rashes, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the abovementioned side effects.

• Using hydroxychloroquine for a longer duration or at higher doses may cause retinopathy, irreversible damage to the retina of your eye.
• The drug is contraindicated to people who have psoriasis, alcoholic liver disease, G6PD deficiency, and porphyria.
• Hydroxychloroquine may make you feel a bit dizzy so do not indulge in activities that need your full attention.
• The drug also makes your skin a bit sensitive to the sun so wear protective clothing when outdoors, use sunscreens, and avoid tanning booths or lamps.
• Older individuals are more prone to cardiac side effects of this drug; they should take the medicine with great caution.