Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate is classified as a DMARD (disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug). It is indicated for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and malaria attacks. When used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic or chronic discoid lupus erythematosus, it works by reducing the immune system response. This is achieved by decreasing the formation of proteins required to trigger the immune system. Antimalarial properties also make it an effective medicine in the treatment of malaria.

Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate tablets come as a 100mg (0.1g) or 200mg (0.2g) strength formula. The dosage needed can vary considerably, depending on the patient`s medical history and the condition that is being treated. Adults taking this medicine for rheumatoid arthritis may be told by their physician to take between 400mg and 600mg per day, and this may be reduced to a dosage ranging from 200mg to 400mg per day for maintenance treatment. Other conditions are usually treated with a different dosage regimen.

Medical treatment with Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate has been known to result in some patients experiencing side effects. You must report to your physician if this happens. A list of examples is provided here:

• Vertigo
• Irritability
• Loss of hair
• Reduction in appetite
• Pain which occurs in the stomach

In addition to the possible reactions listed above, patients may be affected by other adverse events. Some of these will be serious and will necessitate immediate medical assistance, including strange behavior, seizures, difficulty balancing, bruising appearing on the skin, twitches and other severe side effects that have not been referenced in this paragraph.

Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate may not work for certain strains of malaria, such as the strains of P. falciparum which are known to be chloroquine resistant.

Patients being treated for arthritis, lupus or any other conditions should consult their physician if no improvement in symptoms is noticed.