MAL-LAS
HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE SULPHATE · by ASTELLAS
Composition
Tab 200 mg: Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate 200 mg.
Indications & Dosage
Active rheumatoid arthritis, Systemic and discoid lupus erythematosus, Dermatological conditions caused or aggravated by sunlight: Adult: 200-400 mg daily, daily max. dose to be based on ideal body-weight; max. 6.5 mg/kg per day. Adult: Initially 2 tab daily in divided doses with meals. Increase dose in 5-10 days until optimum response, max. dose to be based on ideal body-weight; max. 6.5 mg/kg per day; maintenance after 4-12 weeks, 1-2 tab daily; Discontinue after six mth if no improvement. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, systemic and discoid lupus erythematosus: Children 1 month-18 yr: 5-6.5 mg/kg (max. 400 mg) once daily.
Contraindications
Maculopathy.
Precautions
Acute porphyrias,elderly,G6PD deficiency, may aggravate myasthenia gravis, may exacerbate psoriasis, neurological disorders, history of epilepsy, severe GIdisorders, renal or hepatic impairment, history of blood disorders. Perform eye tests, screening for ocular toxicity and periodic blood counts before and during long-term therapy. Hydroxychloroquine is very toxic; over dosage is extremely hazardous and difficult to treat.
Interactions
Drugs causing ocular damage or skin reactions, antacids, cimetidine, aminoglycosides, digoxin.
Pregnancy
Contraindicated in pregnancy.
Lactation
Caution advised, avoid
Side Effects
GI disturbances, headache, pruritus, rashes, skin reactions, convulsions, discoloration of skin, nails, and mucous membranes, ECG changes, hair depigmentation, hair loss, keratopathy, ototoxicity, retinal damage, visualchanges, bronchospasm, diffuse parenchymal lung disease, drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, corneal opacity, impaired visual accommodation (discontinue if occur), skin reactions, alopecia.