How To Use Hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine comes as a tablet to be taken by mouth. If you take hydroxychloroquine with a glass of milk, it can help reduce the side effects of nausea and upset stomach. You should swallow the hydroxychloroquine tablets whole. Do not crush, cut, or chew them.

Hydroxychloroquine is usually taken once or twice a day to treat discoid lupus erythematosus, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

This medication is taken once a week to prevent malaria, starting 2 weeks before travel and continuing for 4 weeks after leaving the malaria-endemic area. 

If you are on hydroxychloroquine to treat an acute attack of malaria, you should take one 800-mg initial dose, followed by 3 more doses of 400 mg each.

Read the prescription label carefully and follow the directions. Do not take more or less of this medication or take it more or less frequently than prescribed. 

It can take up to 6 months for hydroxychloroquine to improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or get worse. While hydroxychloroquine may improve your arthritis symptoms, it will not cure your condition. Do not stop hydroxychloroquine without talking to your doctor first. Your symptoms could come back if you stop hydroxychloroquine.

Missed dose: If you miss a dose of hydroxychloroquine, take your medicine as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten dose.

Storage: Store hydroxychloroquine at controlled room temperature (between 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in a tightly closed container. Keep all prescription and nonprescription drugs out of reach of children and pets.

Unused medicine: Unused hydroxychloroquine should be disposed of in a way that children, pets, and others cannot get to it. Do not flush unneeded or expired hydroxychloroquine down the toilet. The best way to dispose of medications is through a drug take-back program. Learn more about proper medication disposal. 

NOTE: This medication sheet is a summary and may not contain all possible hydroxychloroquine information. The information contained in this sheet may not be up-to-date. This medication guide on hydroxychloroquine does not constitute medical advice. If you have questions about hydroxychloroquine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to ensure you receive proper medical care.

Hydroxychloroquine is a prescription medication and is the property of the respective owners. Do not share your medication with others or take someone else’s hydroxychloroquine.

Discounted prices for hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) start at $19.74.

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