Hydroxychloroquine
Hydroxychloroquine is an aminoquinoline medicine classified as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) and an antimalarial. It works by reducing inflammation and altering immune system activity in autoimmune conditions, and by interfering with the growth of parasites in the red blood cells of individuals with malaria.
Dosage by Body Weight
Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually with food or a glass of milk to prevent stomach upset. For malaria prevention, it is typically taken once weekly on the same day each week, starting 1 to 2 weeks before traveling to an endemic area. For lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, it is typically taken daily.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy are not established for infants and very low body weight children; avoid unless highly necessary and closely monitored.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 32.5 mg to 45.5 mg
- Frequency
- Once weekly (Malaria Prophylaxis)
- Tracking Notes
- Dose calculated based on 6.5 mg/kg weekly. Tablets are bitter; may be crushed and suspended in a sweet vehicle like cherry syrup.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 52 mg to 65 mg
- Frequency
- Once weekly (Malaria Prophylaxis)
- Tracking Notes
- Administer with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort. Do not exceed calculated weight-based limits.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 71.5 mg to 97.5 mg
- Frequency
- Once weekly (Malaria Prophylaxis)
- Tracking Notes
- Dosing must be adjusted precisely to body weight to prevent toxicity. Regular clinical monitoring is required.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 104 mg to 130 mg
- Frequency
- Once weekly (Malaria Prophylaxis)
- Tracking Notes
- Do not exceed the maximum adult weekly dose of 400 mg. Long-term use in pediatric patients is generally not recommended.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed | Safety and efficacy are not established for infants and very low body weight children; avoid unless highly necessary and closely monitored. |
| 5-7 kg | 32.5 mg to 45.5 mg | Once weekly (Malaria Prophylaxis) | Dose calculated based on 6.5 mg/kg weekly. Tablets are bitter; may be crushed and suspended in a sweet vehicle like cherry syrup. |
| 8-10 kg | 52 mg to 65 mg | Once weekly (Malaria Prophylaxis) | Administer with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort. Do not exceed calculated weight-based limits. |
| 11-15 kg | 71.5 mg to 97.5 mg | Once weekly (Malaria Prophylaxis) | Dosing must be adjusted precisely to body weight to prevent toxicity. Regular clinical monitoring is required. |
| 16-20 kg | 104 mg to 130 mg | Once weekly (Malaria Prophylaxis) | Do not exceed the maximum adult weekly dose of 400 mg. Long-term use in pediatric patients is generally not recommended. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used for the prevention and treatment of certain strains of malaria, as well as for the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Generic Name
Hydroxychloroquine SulfateBranded Drug Names
Hydroxychloroquine is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.