What is hydroxychloroquine?
Hydroxychloroquine is an antimalaria medication used for the prevention and treatment of malaria in areas without chloroquine resistance. It is sold under the brand name Quensyl® and as a generic.
In addition, hydroxychloroquin is an important drug in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematodes (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis. It is only suitable for malaria prophylaxis in regions with chloroquine-sensitive plasmodies (parts of Central America, Middle East, parts of Asia).
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Hydroxychloroquin (als Sulfat)
Enforcement mechanism (malaria):
- In the sour food vacuole of the Malaria parasite
- inhibits the hempolymerase of the parasite
- Toxic haem accumulates and kills the parasite
- Works against blood stadiums (erythrocytic schizophrenia)
Additional properties:
- Immunomodulating (here use in autoimmune diseases)
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antiproliferative
Restriction: Hydroxychloroquine does not act against hepatitis. Therefore, taking 4 weeks after the journey is necessary to intercept parasites that pass from the liver into the blood.
Who is it suitable for?
Hydroxychloroquin for malaria prophylaxis is suitable for:
- Travellers in areas MIT Chloroquin-sensitive malaria
- Parts of Central America, Middle East, parts of South Asia
- Long-term travellers (good for longer stays)
Not suitable:
- Areas with chloroquin resistance (subsaharian Africa, Southeast Asia, South America)
- Heavy retinal diseases (retinopathy)
- hypersensitivity to 4-aminoquinoline
- G6PD deficiency (hemolysis risk)
- Myasthenia gravis
Available Dosages
Malariaprophylaxis:
- 400 mg (2 tablets of 200 mg) once a week
- Start: 1–2 weeks before entry
- During the entire stay: weekly
- After departure: another 4 weeks
Available starches:
- 200 mg film tablets
Intake date:
- Always take on the same weekday
- Example: Every Monday
How to Take
Intake:
- Once a week on the same weekday
- Take a meal
- With sufficient water
Prophylaxe Schema: 1. Start: 1–2 weeks before the trip Two. Weekly during the trip 3. Continue taking 4 weeks after return
Important notes:
- Recover forgotten dose as soon as possible
- Use sun protection (phototoxicity possible)
- mosquito protection remains essential
- Regular eye examinations for long-term use
Contraindications
**Hydroxychloroquin must not be taken at:* *
- Preliminary maculopathy/retinopathy
- hypersensitivity to hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine
- G6PD deficiency
- Myasthenia gravis
Preview at:
- Epilepsy (lowering of the cramp threshold)
- Liver malfunction
- Kidney failure
- Porphyry
- Psoriasis (deterioration possible)
- QT-time extension or medicines that extend QT
- Pregnancy (benefit risk weighing, applicable to malariaprophylaxis)
Possible Side Effects
Family (1–10 %):
- Gastrointestinal complaints (abdominal pain, diarrhea)
- Headaches
- Skin rash
** Occasionally (0.1-1 %):* *
- visual disorders
- Squeeze
- nervousness, sleep disorders
- Hair loss
- Itching
Selten but serious (long-term application):
- Retinopathy (irreversible retinal damage) – regular eye controls!
- cardiomyopathy
- Neuromyopathy
- Blood-image changes
- QT-time extension
** In short-term malaria prophylaxis (a few weeks), the risk of severe side effects is very low. Retinopathy is above all a problem with long-term therapy over years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar Medications
Is hydroxychloroquine right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor. Read the package leaflet before use.