Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is a prescription medicine used to treat lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. With coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak all over world, it has started to be used in treatment of the coronavirus. Plaquenil has currently been used experimentally in a small number of coronavirus patients. The medicine, which became current agenda thanks to promising studies conducted especially in China and Europe, was started to be used on coronavirus patients in our country; however, its effectiveness has not been fully proven. There are ongoing studies on the effect of the medicine on the coronavirus.
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Plaquenil is a prescription medicine widely used in the treatment of malaria, lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and some skin diseases. The medicine, whose active ingredient is hydroxychloroquine sulphate, is commercially available in tablet form.
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Each tablet in the box contains 200 mg of hydroxychloroquine sulphate. Research in China promises hope that medicines with the active ingredient hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine can be effective in the treatment of the coronavirus.
Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) or chloroquine effectiveness in the treatment of coronavirus has not yet been proven and its use has not been approved by the FDA. However, studies are ongoing. In a small-scale laboratory study conducted in China, it was identified that coronavirus patients treated with chloroquine either presented with a milder disease or stayed in the hospital shorter compared to other patients. The study recommends chloroquine treatment to all coronavirus patients.
In a small-scale study conducted in France without detailed information about its stages, it was stated that hydroxychloroquine could be used in treatment. Even though its clinical efficacy has not been proven, many doctors have started prescribing it, and it has been listed by the World Health Organization as a medicine whose efficacy is being investigated. Studies on use of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine in COVID-19 treatment are ongoing.
Plaquenil, which is also used in the treatment of malaria in the USA and Europe, is used in the treatment of the following diseases in our country:
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Dosing of Plaquenil may change based on age, condition of treatment, severity of the disease, and other medical problems a patient has. However, generally recommended doses are as follows:
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There is no dose defined for children under 18 years old.
It may take several months for the medicine to take effect in rheumatoid arthritis, several weeks in other diseases.
Doctors report different doses as the dose to be used in the coronavirus treatment has not been established yet. Therefore;
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Plaquenil may interact with other medicines, vitamins, or herbs. This may cause an increase in the side effects or a decrease in its effect. If you have a medication or take supplements, be sure to inform your doctor.
Drugs that may interact with Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquine):
High level of alcohol consumption can damage the liver, which can affect the function of hydroxychrorocine in the body.
Plaquenil is only available in tablet form of 200 mg on the market.
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Do not use Plaquenil if you have one or more of the following conditions:
Always consult a doctor before taking Plaquenil if you have the following conditions:
Some studies show that the medicine can be transferred from the mother’s bloodstream to the baby. Therefore, Plaquenil should not be used during pregnancy or if there is a plan to become pregnant. Be sure to inform you doctor if you become pregnant while taking the drug.
Furthermore, the medicine may pass into breast milk at a small amount. However, its effects on the baby are not known well. Therefore, the mother and doctor should make a decision together by considering pros and cons.
Mild side effects may disappear after a while as you take the medicine. However, if it gets worse or does not get over, be sure to consult your doctor.
Immediately inform your doctor if you observe the following side effects:
For more information about Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) tablet, you can find its prescription and prospectus via the link: >>>
Resources and References:
1- Plaquenil2- Hydroxychloroquine3- New restrictions on prescribing hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19SHARE ARTICLE
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