Plaquenil is a medication used to treat malaria, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. This eMedTV article also covers how Plaquenil can be used to prevent malaria, explains when and how to take the drug, and lists possible side effects that may occur.
Potential Plaquenil side effects include nightmares, weight loss, and diarrhea. This eMedTV resource provides a list of other possible side effects of Plaquenil, including serious ones that require medical attention (such as hearing loss or seizures).
Plaquenil is used for treating and preventing certain types of malaria. As this eMedTV page explains, Plaquenil uses may also include the treatment of lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Off-label uses of the drug are also listed in this article.
For treating lupus, the recommended starting Plaquenil dosage is 400 mg once or twice a day. This eMedTV Web page also offers Plaquenil dosing guidelines for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and malaria (including malaria prevention).
Medicines that may cause Plaquenil interactions include digoxin, cyclosporine, and mefloquine. This eMedTV resource contains a more detailed list of drugs that may interact with Plaquenil and describes the potential effects of these interactions.
Plaquenil can damage the retina of the eye, which can lead to blindness. This eMedTV page lists other side effects or complications that may occur with Plaquenil. Warnings and precautions on who should not use this drug are also listed on this page.
A Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) overdose may cause drowsiness, headaches, or seizures. This page from the eMedTV library lists other potential effects of a Plaquenil overdose and describes various treatment options that are currently available.
The full risks of using Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) during pregnancy are not known at this time. This eMedTV segment includes more information on Plaquenil and pregnancy, and explains whether the drug is likely to affect a fetus.
When used for malaria, Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) appears to be safe for use while breastfeeding. This eMedTV article offers more information on Plaquenil and breastfeeding, and explains whether this drug passes through breast milk.
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is available in both brand-name and generic forms. This part of the eMedTV site lists the companies that manufacture generic Plaquenil and explains whether the generic drug is equivalent to the brand-name version.
