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

 

 

 

Gynecology and Obstetrics CD-ROM
Volumes 1-6
2004 Edition
 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Copyright 2004
All Rights Reserved