The Dosage Of Hydroxychloroquine: What You Need To Know For Treatment

Hydroxychloroquine has made headlines in recent months as a possible treatment for COVID-19. But not much is known about the actual dosage of hydroxychloroquine that's needed and how to use it safely and effectively. In this blog post, we’ll explore the details of hydroxychloroquine dosage, including the rationale behind why certain doses are recommended and what the potential side effects may be. We’ll also discuss who should consider taking it and when it might be most effective. Read on to learn more about understanding the dosage of hydroxychloroquine for potential treatment.

What is hydroxychloroquine?

Hydroxychloroquine is a prescription drug used to treat or prevent malaria. It is also approved for the treatment of lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Hydroxychloroquine is sold under the brand names Plaquenil and Quineprox, and is available in generic form. The drug is taken orally, typically in the form of a tablet.

Hydroxychloroquine works by killing malaria parasites that are found in red blood cells. When used for the prevention of malaria, hydroxychloroquine is usually taken once a week, on the same day each week. When used for the treatment of lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, hydroxychloroquine is usually taken once or twice daily.

The dosage of hydroxychloroquine will be different for each person, depending on factors such as weight, other medical conditions, and other medications that may be being taken. The usual starting dose for children ages 6 to 17 years old is 5 mg per kilogram (about 2.3 mg per pound) of body weight once per day, with the dose being increased gradually over time as needed. For adults, the usual starting dose is 400 mg once or twice per day.

If you are taking hydroxychloroquine for the prevention of malaria, it is important to start taking it before you travel to an area where malaria is present. 

How does hydroxychloroquine work?

Hydroxychloroquine works by interfering with the communication between cells in the immune system. The drug is thought to work by preventing the release of a chemical called histamine from certain cells in the body. Histamine is responsible for many of the symptoms associated with allergies, such as itching, swelling, and runny nose.

What are the side effects of hydroxychloroquine?

When taking hydroxychloroquine, the most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache. These usually go away after a few days and do not require medical treatment. Some people may experience more serious side effects, such as allergic reactions, heart problems, or skin problems. 

Who should take hydroxychloroquine?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the decision of whether or not to take hydroxychloroquine will depend on a variety of individual factors. However, in general, hydroxychloroquine is most commonly prescribed to people who have either been diagnosed with lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, hydroxychloroquine may also be recommended for people who are at risk of developing these conditions.

How is hydroxychloroquine taken?

The usual adult dose for treating malaria is 800 mg once a day. For lupus erythematosus, the recommended initial dose is 400 mg once or twice a day. Hydroxychloroquine should be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. The length of time that you take hydroxychloroquine will depend on the condition being treated and how well it responds to the medication. For example, if you are taking hydroxychloroquine for malaria prevention, you may be advised to take it for several weeks before your trip and then continue for 4 weeks after you return.

What are the dosage recommendations for hydroxychloroquine?

The dosage recommendations for hydroxychloroquine are as follows:

For the treatment of malaria, the recommended dose is 400 mg per day. For the prevention of malaria, the recommended dose is 400 mg per week.

For the treatment of lupus, the recommended dose is 200-400 mg per day. For the prevention of lupus flares, the recommended dose is 400 mg per week.

For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, the recommended dose is 200-400 mg per day.

The dosage of hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine is usually taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. The dosage for hydroxychloroquine is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to therapy. The usual adult dose for treating malaria is 800 mg per day for three days. For lupus erythematosus, the recommended adult dose is 400 mg once or twice daily. For rheumatoid arthritis, the recommended adult dose ranges from 400 to 600 mg daily.

How to take hydroxychloroquine

When it comes to taking hydroxychloroquine, the most important thing to know is the proper dosage. Depending on your weight and health condition, the dosage will be different. 

The general rule is that hydroxychloroquine should be taken with food or milk in order to reduce stomach upset. The tablet should be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to the time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Side effects of hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine is a medication that has been used for many years to help manage certain types of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. It is generally considered to be a safe medication with few side effects. However, like all medications, there is the potential for hydroxychloroquine to cause side effects. The most common side effects of hydroxychloroquine include

-nausea
-vomiting
-stomach pain
-diarrhea
-headache
-dizziness
-ringing in the ears
-blurred vision

Other potential, but less common, side effects of hydroxychloroquine include:

-skin rash or itchiness
-hives
-breathing difficulties
-swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

If you experience any of these side effects while taking hydroxychloroquine, it is important to contact your doctor right away. These side effects can sometimes be serious and may require medical attention.

Conclusion

Hydroxychloroquine is an effective medication for many conditions and can be used safely with the right dosage. As with any medication,By familiarizing yourself with the recommended dosages of this drug, you can ensure that your health remains protected while benefiting from its healing effects.