AntiparasiticHydroxychloroquine (Generic)
Generic drugs, marketed without brand names, contain the exact same active ingredients used in their brand-name counterparts, but cost significantly less. The drugs are required to meet US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards for safety, purity and effectiveness.
Hydroxychloroquine
Malaria is a disease that is caused by parasites that enter the body by the bite of a mosquito. Hydroxychloroquine is a medication that is used to treat or prevent malaria. The risk of contracting malaria is high in parts of the world such as Africa, South America, and Southern Asia.
Generic Hydroxychloroquine: A Comprehensive Overview
Generic Hydroxychloroquine is a medication that has been widely used for decades to treat and prevent malaria, as well as to manage autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. It belongs to the class of drugs known as antimalarials and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Hydroxychloroquine is a derivative of chloroquine, with a similar mechanism of action but a better safety profile. In recent years, it has gained significant attention due to its potential use in treating other conditions, including viral infections, although its efficacy in these areas remains controversial and subject to ongoing research.
Mechanism of Action
Hydroxychloroquine exerts its effects through multiple mechanisms, depending on the condition being treated:
Antimalarial Activity:
Hydroxychloroquine accumulates in the acidic vacuoles of malaria parasites, interfering with their ability to break down and utilize hemoglobin.
This disrupts the parasite's metabolic processes, leading to its death.
Immunomodulatory Effects:
In autoimmune diseases, Hydroxychloroquine inhibits the activation of immune cells (e.g., T cells and B cells) and reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
It also interferes with antigen presentation and Toll-like receptor signaling, which helps to suppress autoimmune responses.
Antiviral Activity (theoretical and controversial):
Hydroxychloroquine may alter the pH of intracellular compartments, potentially inhibiting viral replication.
It has been studied for use in viral infections such as COVID-19, but evidence supporting its efficacy remains inconclusive.
Indications and Uses
Generic Hydroxychloroquine is approved for the following conditions:
Malaria:
Used for the prevention and treatment of malaria caused by Plasmodium species (e.g., P. falciparum, P. vivax).
Autoimmune Diseases:
Lupus Erythematosus: Helps reduce disease activity, prevent flares, and manage symptoms such as skin rashes and joint pain.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Used to alleviate joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness, often in combination with other DMARDs.
Off-Label Uses:
Sjögren's Syndrome: May help reduce symptoms such as dry mouth and dry eyes.
Porphyria Cutanea Tarda: Used to manage skin lesions associated with this condition.
Viral Infections: Investigated for use in COVID-19 and other viral illnesses, though its effectiveness remains unproven.
Dosage and Administration
The dosage of Generic Hydroxychloroquine varies depending on the condition being treated:
For Malaria:
Prophylaxis: 400 mg once weekly, starting 1-2 weeks before travel and continuing for 4 weeks after leaving the endemic area.
Treatment: 800 mg initially, followed by 400 mg at 6, 24, and 48 hours.
For Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Initial Dose: 400-600 mg daily, divided into one or two doses.
Maintenance Dose: 200-400 mg daily, adjusted based on patient response and tolerability.
Administration Guidelines:
Take with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal upset.
Regular monitoring of blood counts, liver function, and eye health is recommended during long-term use.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Hydroxychloroquine is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with peak plasma concentrations reached within 3-4 hours.
Distribution: It has a large volume of distribution and accumulates in tissues such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs.
Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver to active and inactive metabolites.
Excretion: Primarily excreted in the urine, with a half-life of approximately 40-50 days.
Side Effects
Generic Hydroxychloroquine is generally well-tolerated, but some patients may experience side effects, including:
Common Side Effects:
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Headache
Dizziness
Skin rash or itching
Less Common Side Effects:
Muscle weakness
Mood changes (e.g., anxiety, depression)
Hair loss
Serious Side Effects (rare):
Retinopathy (eye damage) with long-term use
Cardiomyopathy (heart muscle damage)
Blood disorders (e.g., anemia, leukopenia)
Severe skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
Contraindications and Precautions
Generic Hydroxychloroquine should be used with caution or avoided in certain situations:
Contraindications:
Hypersensitivity to Hydroxychloroquine or related compounds (e.g., chloroquine).
Pre-existing retinopathy or macular degeneration.
Precautions:
Pregnancy and Lactation: Generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but consult a healthcare provider.
Children: Use with caution, as dosing must be carefully adjusted based on weight.
Liver or Kidney Impairment: Dose adjustments may be necessary.
G6PD Deficiency: Increased risk of hemolysis (red blood cell breakdown).
Drug Interactions
Hydroxychloroquine may interact with other medications, including:
Digoxin:
Hydroxychloroquine can increase digoxin levels, leading to toxicity.
Antidiabetic Drugs:
May enhance the effects of insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents, increasing the risk of low blood sugar.
Cimetidine:
Can increase Hydroxychloroquine levels by inhibiting its metabolism.
QT-Prolonging Drugs:
Concurrent use with medications that prolong the QT interval (e.g., azithromycin) may increase the risk of arrhythmias.
Advantages of Generic Hydroxychloroquine
Cost-Effectiveness:
Generic Hydroxychloroquine is more affordable than branded versions, making it accessible to a wider population.
Proven Efficacy:
Decades of clinical use have demonstrated its effectiveness in treating malaria and autoimmune diseases.
Versatility:
Can be used for both prevention and treatment of malaria, as well as long-term management of autoimmune conditions.
Safety Profile:
Generally well-tolerated, with a lower risk of side effects compared to chloroquine.
Limitations and Challenges
Risk of Retinopathy:
Long-term use requires regular eye exams to monitor for potential retinal damage.
Slow Onset of Action:
In autoimmune diseases, it may take several weeks to months to achieve full therapeutic effects.
Controversial Use in Viral Infections:
Its efficacy in treating viral infections like COVID-19 remains unproven and controversial.
Patient Counseling and Education
Patients prescribed Generic Hydroxychloroquine should be advised to:
Take the medication exactly as prescribed.
Report any vision changes, muscle weakness, or unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider.
Attend regular follow-up appointments for monitoring of blood counts, liver function, and eye health.
Avoid excessive sun exposure and use sunscreen to prevent skin reactions.
Conclusion
Generic Hydroxychloroquine is a versatile and cost-effective medication with a long history of use in treating malaria and autoimmune diseases. Its immunomodulatory effects make it a valuable tool in managing conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, while its antimalarial properties continue to protect individuals in endemic regions. Despite its potential benefits, patients and healthcare providers must remain vigilant about monitoring for side effects, particularly with long-term use. As research into its applications continues, Hydroxychloroquine remains a cornerstone of therapy for many patients worldwide.
Hydroxychloroquine tablet What kind of a pharmaceutical is this, exactly? The bite of an infected mosquito allows parasites to enter a person's body, causing them to develop into the illness known as malaria. A medicine known as HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE is taken either to treat the symptoms of malaria or to prevent the disease. In certain regions of the world, such as Africa, South America, and Southern Asia, the likelihood of becoming infected with malaria is rather high. Hydroxychloroquine is also an effective treatment for the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, discoid lupus erythematosus, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
There are further uses for hydroxychloroquine that have not been included in this guide on the pharmaceutical industry's use of the drug.
What pertinent information should I provide to my doctor before I begin taking this medication?
Do not use hydroxychloroquine if you have a history of visual issues or damage to your retina that was caused by an anti-malaria treatment. This condition should exclude you from using the drug. In the event that you have an allergy to hydroxychloroquine, you should also steer clear of utilizing the medication.
It is strongly recommended that you steer clear of giving hydroxychloroquine to youngsters for a lengthy period of time if at all possible.
If you have any of the following conditions, you should let your doctor know before beginning treatment with hydroxychloroquine: psoriasis; porphyria; liver disease; alcoholism; or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency. This will help your doctor determine whether or not it is safe for you to take the medication.
There is not enough information available to evaluate whether or not hydroxychloroquine is harmful to an unborn child at this time. If you are pregnant or if you have plans to get pregnant in the near future, you should discuss your pregnancy with your doctor before beginning treatment with this medication.
Malaria puts a woman substantially more at danger of passing away during pregnancy than at any other time in her life. If you are pregnant, it is critical that you have a conversation with your healthcare practitioner about the possible risks associated with traveling to areas of the world where malaria is common.
It is not known whether hydroxychloroquine enters breast milk or whether it might potentially harm a child who is being breastfed by their mother. It is also not known whether this could lead to an increased risk of birth defects. If you are a mother who is nursing, you should not take hydroxychloroquine until consulting with your primary care physician first.
How exactly do I go about administering this medicine to myself?
Always follow your doctor's advice when it comes to how much and how often you should take hydroxychloroquine. Use this medication precisely as instructed, not in larger or smaller dosages, and not for a period of time that is longer than what is recommended. It is imperative that you take your prescription precisely as prescribed on the label.
If your physician does not teach you otherwise, you should take hydroxychloroquine either with a meal or a glass of milk. If your physician does direct you otherwise, you should follow his or her instructions.
In rare cases, the antimalarial medicine hydroxychloroquine must be taken just once every seven days. If you are on a dose plan that calls for you to take your medication once a week, you should try to take it on the same day of the week every week.
At the very latest, two weeks before leaving for a destination where malaria is common, you should begin taking the antimalarial drug that will protect you against the sickness. Follow a regular dosage schedule of hydroxychloroquine both during and after your time in the area, and continue to do so for at least eight weeks after leaving the area. In order to treat malaria, your doctor may recommend that you take either a single dose of hydroxychloroquine or a high initial dose followed by a lower dose for the remaining two days of therapy. If you choose to take the high initial dose, your doctor may still recommend that you take a single dose. Always be sure to listen to what your medical professional has to say. While administering oxychloroquine for the treatment of malaria, it is critical to strictly adhere to the dose recommendations provided. It's likely that you'll start feeling better before the virus is completely eliminated from your system.
In addition to taking hydroxychloroquine, you should also wear protective clothing, use insect repellents, and place mosquito netting over your bed in order to further limit the danger of getting bitten by mosquitoes, which can contribute to the development of malaria.
Make an appointment with your primary care physician as soon as you possibly can if you have been exposed to malaria or if you have a fever or other signs of disease while you are in an area that is prone to malaria or after you have visited an area that is prone to malaria and if you have symptoms such as these.
While treating lupus or arthritis, it is common practice to administer hydroxychloroquine on a once-daily basis for a period of several weeks or months at a time. To get the full advantages of the treatment, it is imperative that you keep taking the medication as directed. If, after obtaining treatment for a period of six months, your symptoms have not improved, it is vital that you discuss this with your attending physician as soon as possible.
If you are on hydroxychloroquine, it is likely that your primary care physician will wish to monitor your blood more frequently than usual.
There is not a single medication on the market that is capable of curing or preventing all manifestations of malaria in a one hundred percent effective manner. To get the full advantages of the treatment, it is imperative that you keep taking the medication as directed. If you acquire a fever, vomit, or diarrhea while you are on treatment, you should make an appointment with your primary care physician as soon as possible.
What should I do if I realize I have missed a dosage of my medication?
If you fail to take a dosage, you should take it as soon as you recall it since forgetting it might have serious consequences. Only take that dose if the time for your next regularly scheduled dose is approaching near to arriving. Avoid taking extra or duplicate dosages at any point.
What additional drugs may possibly have an effect when used with this medication?
There is some circumstantial evidence to suggest that hydroxychloroquine may be harmful to the liver. Its impact is exacerbated when combined with other drugs that are toxic to the liver and administered in the same way. If you have recently taken any of the following medications, your physician may want to adjust your dosage or perform extra tests on you: acetaminophen (brand name: Tylenol); an antibiotic, an antifungal medicine, a sulfa drug, or a treatment for TB; birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy; medication for high blood pressure; drugs for cancer; This list is not comprehensive, and it is conceivable that hydroxychloroquine will interact with other drugs besides those on this list. Have a conversation with your primary care provider about every medication you use. This includes products that are obtained with a prescription, as well as those that are purchased over the counter, as well as vitamins and herbal cures. It is not a good idea to start a new medication without first discussing it with your primary care physician. What are the possible adverse effects that might occur as a result of my using this medication? There have been reports of certain people experiencing irreversible damage to the retina of the eye as a result of using this medication for a lengthy period of time or at high doses. These patients utilized the medication. If you are having trouble concentrating, if you see light streaks or flashes in your vision, or if you notice any swelling or color changes in your eyes, you should immediately stop taking hydroxychloroquine and contact your doctor. In addition, if you notice any light streaks or flashes in your vision, you should also contact your doctor. You should seek immediate medical assistance if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction to hydroxychloroquine: Anaphylaxis is characterized by a collection of symptoms including hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or neck. p>You should get in touch with your doctor as soon as you can if you develop any of the following serious side effects:
'pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding'; 'confusion, odd thoughts or behavior';'seizure';'muscle weakness, twitching, or uncontrollable movement'; 'loss of balance or coordination'; 'blurred vision, light sensitivity, seeing halos around lights'; 'loss of balance or coordination'; 'loss of balance or coordination'; 'loss of balance or coordination'; ' and 'pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding'; (convulsions).
The following are some of the possible negative effects of taking hydroxychloroquine that are less dangerous than others: Headaches, ringing in the ears, a feeling that the room is spinning; nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort; lack of appetite, weight loss; changes in mood, feeling tense or irritated;
Testimonials
What’s great about this site is they have such a wide
selection of products. I wasn’t happy with my current ED product was using, so I was able to
try out a different kind and see if it was a better fit for my needs. Which it was!
– John, Wellington
I have been buying brand meds name for years and it never
crossed my mind how much cheaper the generic versions were. When I started browsing the
items I couldn’t believe the price difference! This is my go to shop right now.
– Eric, London
I wasn’t quite sure about buying my medication online as I
always bought it in store. I spoke to one of their support reps and they were really nice
and helped to explain how it works and made me feel much more comfortable with my order!
– Jenna, Leeds
has all the best generic items at crazy good prices. I order here every month.
– Pete, Birmingham
I got my package in just under a week with no problems at all!
Highly recommended.
– Jerry, Quebec
It was my first time ordering at
and it definitely won’t be my last! They had all the items I needed in one place and the
prices are the best I could find online.
– Phil, Ontario
I used to buy my meds online but I had to pay a good amount
for shipping. When I found this site I was thrilled to see they offer free discreet
shipping. I am saving significantly more money.
– Arthur, Vancouver
You cannot compare the prices found at
to anywhere else online. These are the best prices by far!
– Barbara, Auckland
What’s great about this site is they have such a wide
selection of products. I wasn’t happy with my current ED product was using, so I was able to
try out a different kind and see if it was a better fit for my needs. Which it was!
– John, Wellington
I have been buying brand meds name for years and it never
crossed my mind how much cheaper the generic versions were. When I started browsing the
items I couldn’t believe the price difference! This is my go to shop right now.
– Eric, London
I wasn’t quite sure about buying my medication online as I
always bought it in store. I spoke to one of their support reps and they were really nice
and helped to explain how it works and made me feel much more comfortable with my order!
– Jenna, Leeds
has all the best generic items at crazy good prices. I order here every month.
– Pete, Birmingham
I got my package in just under a week with no problems at all!
Highly recommended.
– Jerry, Quebec
It was my first time ordering at
and it definitely won’t be my last! They had all the items I needed in one place and the
prices are the best I could find online.
– Phil, Ontario
I used to buy my meds online but I had to pay a good amount
for shipping. When I found this site I was thrilled to see they offer free discreet
shipping. I am saving significantly more money.
– Arthur, Vancouver
You cannot compare the prices found at
to anywhere else online. These are the best prices by far!
– Barbara, Auckland