Uses of Plaquenil 200mg

Plaquenil (containing the main active ingredient is hydroxychloroquine) is used in the treatment and prevention of malaria, a disease caused by parasites that enter the body through mosquito bites. However, Hydroxychloroquine is not effective against all strains of malaria. In addition, Plaquenil is also used to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Take Plaquenil 200 by mouth as prescribed by your doctor. To avoid stomach upset, the patient should take the drug with food or milk. Swallow the tablet whole as breaking or crushing can leave a bitter taste.
To prevent malaria : Usually take once a week on the same day each week. This medication is usually started 1 to 2 weeks before entering the affected area. Continue taking the medication weekly while in the area and for 4 to 8 weeks after leaving the area or as directed by your doctor. To treat malaria: Plaquenil is usually given in one high dose, followed by lower doses for the next 2 days in a row. For lupus or rheumatoid arthritis: take the medicine once or twice daily. If you are also taking medicine for diarrhea (kaolin) or taking an antacid (such as magnesium/aluminum hydroxide), take hydroxychloroquine at least 4 hours before or after these products. These products may bind with hydroxychloroquine, reducing the body's ability to absorb the drug.

Plaquenil in high doses or for a long time can cause irreversible damage to the retina, even leading to permanent vision problems. To make sure Plaquenil is taken safely, tell your doctor if you have a history of:
Change in vision or damage to the retina from taking antimalarials; Heart disease, arrhythmia; Diabetes; Stomach disorders; Allergy to quinine; Liver or kidney disease; Psoriasis ; Alcoholism; Impaired porphyrin metabolism Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Plaquenil is not approved to treat lupus or rheumatoid arthritis in children younger than 18 years of age.

Common side effects of Plaquenil may include: headache, dizziness; nausea, vomiting, stomach pain; loss of appetite, weight loss; feeling anxious or irritable; skin rash or itching; or hair loss.

Plaquenil 200mg is not used for the following people:
Patients with hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of the drug Pregnant or breastfeeding women Patients with eye problems Patients with psoriasis. Patients with hereditary intolerance to glucose, galactose or lactase deficiency

Plaquenil can cause serious effects on the heart, especially if you are taking certain other medicines including the antibiotic azithromycin.
Taking Plaquenil long term or in high doses can cause irreversible damage to the retina of the eye. Stop taking the medicine and tell your doctor right away if you have the following symptoms: blurred vision, trouble concentrating, trouble reading, change in color vision, increased sensitivity to light.
Plaquenil 200mg is a medicine used to prevent or treat malaria caused by mosquito bites. In addition, Plaquenil is also used to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. To ensure the effectiveness of treatment and avoid side effects, drug users need to consult a doctor, professional pharmacist.
Follow Vinmec International General Hospital website to get more health, nutrition and beauty information to protect the health of yourself and your loved ones in your family.