Plaquenil

Plaquenil (also known as Hydroxychloroquine) is a medication used to prevent and treat malaria in areas where malaria remains sensitive to chloroquine. Other uses include treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and porphyria cutanea tarda. It is taken by mouth, often in the form of hydroxychloroquine sulfate.

Medical Uses

Plaquenil is primarily used to treat and prevent malaria. It is also used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and porphyria cutanea tarda.

Malaria

Plaquenil is effective against the malarial parasites Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale, and susceptible strains of Plasmodium falciparum.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

In treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, Plaquenil can reduce pain, swelling, and improve joint function. It may prevent joint damage and reduce the risk of long-term disability.

Lupus

Plaquenil is used in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE).

Porphyria Cutanea Tarda

Plaquenil can be used to treat porphyria cutanea tarda, a condition that results in skin sensitivity to light and a rash on areas of the skin exposed to the sun.

Side Effects

Common side effects include vomiting, headache, changes in vision, and muscle weakness. Severe side effects may include allergic reactions, vision problems, and heart problems. Long term use may result in retinal damage.

Pharmacology

Hydroxychloroquine increases lysosomal pH in antigen-presenting cells. It also inhibits rheumatoid factor and acute phase reactants.

History

Hydroxychloroquine was approved for medical use in the United States in 1955. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.

See Also

• Chloroquine
• Malaria
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lupus
• Porphyria cutanea tarda

Plaquenil Resources
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