Hydroxychloroquine

Type of Medication: Immunosuppressant

Indications: Active rheumatoid arthritis (administered on expert advice), Systemic and discoid lupus erythematosus (administered on expert advice), Dermatological conditions caused or aggravated by sunlight (administered on expert advice), cystic fibrosis related arthropathy

Side Effects: Gastro-intestinal disturbances; headache; pruritus; rashes; skin reactions; convulsions; discoloration of skin, nails, and mucous membranes; ECG changes; hair depigmentation; hair loss; keratopathy; ototoxicity; retinal damage; visual changes; acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis; agranulocytosis; angioedema; aplastic anaemia; blood disorders; cardiomyopathy; emotional disturbances; exfoliative dermatitis; hepatic damage; mental changes; myopathy; neuromyopathy; photosensitivity; psychosis; Stevens-Johnson syndrome; thrombocytopenia; bronchospasm; diffuse parenchymal lung disease; drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms

Route of administration: Adult (Oral)

200–400 mg daily, daily maximum dose to be based on ideal body-weight; maximum 6.5 mg/kg per day.

Screening for ocular toxicity

Assess renal and liver function (adjust dose if impaired)