Drug Name:Hydroxychloroquine
Drug Class:Antimalarial, Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD)
Mechanism of Action:
  • Inhibits lysosomal acidification, leading to decreased antigen processing and presentation
  • Inhibits toll-like receptor 7 and 9 signaling, leading to decreased cytokine production
  • Inhibits autophagy, leading to decreased viral replication
Use:
  • Malaria prophylaxis and treatment
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus
  • Sjogren's syndrome
  • Photosensitivity disorders
Side Effects:
  • Gastrointestinal upset
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Visual disturbances
  • Skin rash
  • Hair loss
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • QT prolongation
Contraindications:
  • Hypersensitivity to hydroxychloroquine or other 4-aminoquinoline derivatives
  • Retinal or visual field changes
  • Porphyria
  • Severe hepatic impairment
  • Severe renal impairment
  • Myasthenia gravis
Specialty:
  • Rheumatology
  • Infectious disease
  • Dermatology
  • Ophthalmology