Description

Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate 400 mg 

Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate 400 mg is a prescription oral drug that belongs to the class of antimalarial and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). It is mainly used in the treatment and management of autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is also prescribed for the prevention and treatment of malaria, particularly in regions where chloroquine resistance is low.

Originally developed to prevent and treat malaria, the drug has been found effective in reducing inflammation and modulating the immune system in patients suffering from chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate 400 mg tablet is often used as an initial or once-daily maintenance dose.

This higher-dose formulation is commonly used in adults who require long-term daily medication to manage disease activity. Medical professionals may adjust the dosage up or down based on treatment response, tolerability, and disease severity.

Key Benefits

• Provides anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects
• Effective in reducing symptoms and flares in lupus (SLE)
• Helps control joint pain, swelling, and fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis
• Acts as a disease-modifying agent by slowing progression of autoimmune conditions
• Used to prevent or treat specific types of non-resistant malaria strains
• Convenient once-daily dosing for many patients
• May reduce the need for corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants
• Well-tolerated for long-term use when monitored carefully

How Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate 400 mg Works

In autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate 400 mg interferes with these overactive immune responses, reducing inflammation and suppressing abnormal immune signaling.

Mechanisms of action include:

• Alteration of immune cell lysosomal pH levels
• Inhibition of toll-like receptors that activate the innate immune response
• Blocking of autoantigen presentation to immune cells
• Reduction of cytokine and prostaglandin release

Additionally, the medication prevents malaria by disrupting the parasite’s ability to digest host cells, effectively starving it before it can proliferate in the bloodstream.

Medical Uses of Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate 400 mg

1. Autoimmune Disorders

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
• Off-label: Sjögren’s syndrome, dermatomyositis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, sarcoidosis

2. Malaria

• Prophylaxis: Prevention before traveling to malaria-endemic areas
• Treatment: Effective against malaria strains sensitive to hydroxychloroquine, also available in 200 Mg

Note: It is not effective against chloroquine-resistant strains of malaria.

Dosage and Administration

Only a healthcare provider can determine the appropriate dose. General guidelines include:

Autoimmune Conditions:

• Initial dose: 400 mg once daily or 200 mg twice daily
• Maintenance: May adjust to 200–400 mg/day based on response
• Taken with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort

Malaria Prophylaxis:

• 400 mg once weekly starting 1–2 weeks before exposure
• Continue during and for 4 weeks after leaving the affected area

Malaria Treatment:

• Higher doses under immediate medical supervision

Always follow your doctor’s instructions. Do not split tablets unless directed.

Who Should Use Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate 400 mg

This dosage is often prescribed to:

• Adults with established SLE or RA requiring maintenance therapy
• Patients transitioning from corticosteroids to a DMARD
• Individuals traveling to malaria-endemic areas
• Patients requiring simplified once-daily dosing regimens for compliance
• Patients who previously used a 200 mg dose but need escalation under close supervision

This medication must be used with caution in individuals with retinal disorders, heart rhythm abnormalities, chronic liver disease, or significant kidney impairment.

Potential Side Effects

Common (mild and temporary):

• Nausea
• Abdominal discomfort
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Skin rash
• Dizziness

Serious (less common but must be monitored):

• Retinopathy (blurred vision or vision changes)
• QT interval prolongation and cardiac arrhythmias
• Liver enzyme abnormalities
• Muscle weakness

Ophthalmologic screening (eye exams) is required before and during long-term use to reduce the risk of retinal toxicity.

Precautions

Inform your healthcare provider if you have:

• Pre-existing eye disease, including maculopathy or visual field defects
• Cardiac disease or a family history of arrhythmia
• G6PD deficiency
• Hepatic or renal impairment
• Use of interacting medications (e.g., digoxin, antiepileptics, antipsychotics)

This drug is generally not recommended during pregnancy for malaria prophylaxis, and should be used during pregnancy for autoimmune conditions only when benefits outweigh risks.

Storage Instructions

• Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F)
• Protect from moisture and light
• Keep away from children and pets
• Do not use expired medication
• Do not store in a bathroom or humid environment

Packaging Information

Each unit contains:

• Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate 400 mg tablets (commonly supplied in quantities of 30 or 60)
• Each tablet contains 400 mg of hydroxychloroquine sulfate, equivalent to 310 mg base
• Product leaflet with full prescribing and safety information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate 400 mg used for?

It is used to manage lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and to prevent or treat malaria.

2. Is 400 mg considered a high dose?

It is a standard adult dose for initial autoimmune therapy or weekly malaria prophylaxis.

3. Can I cut a 400 mg tablet in half?

Only if the tablet is scored and your doctor advises you to do so.

4. Is Hydroxychloroquine safe for long-term use?

Yes, with regular monitoring. Long-term use is common but requires annual eye exams.

5. How soon will I see results for lupus or arthritis?

Some patients notice relief in 4 to 12 weeks. Continued improvement may occur over several months.

6. Does this medication affect the eyes?

It can, rarely, with prolonged use. Regular ophthalmologic evaluations help detect early problems.

7. Can I take this with other medications?

Yes, but inform your doctor. Some drug interactions can increase side effects or reduce effectiveness.

8. Does it cure autoimmune diseases?

No. It helps control symptoms and modify disease progression, but it is not a cure.

9. Can it prevent COVID-19?

No. It is not approved or recommended for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19.

10. Is it the same as Plaquenil?

Plaquenil is a brand name for hydroxychloroquine sulfate. Both contain the same active ingredient.