Product Information:

HCQ 200mg Tablets contain Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate 200mg as the active ingredient. Hydroxychloroquine is an antimalarial and immunomodulatory agent that also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. It works by interfering with antigen processing in immune cells, inhibiting toll-like receptors, and modulating cytokine production.

It is primarily used for autoimmune conditions and malaria prophylaxis/treatment, not as a first-line antimalarial in resistant regions.

Uses of (HCQ 200MG TABLETS):

1. Rheumatoid arthritis (disease-modifying antirheumatic drug – DMARD)
2. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and discoid lupus
3. Malaria prophylaxis (in chloroquine-sensitive regions only)
4. Malaria treatment (uncomplicated Plasmodium vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale, and chloroquine-sensitive P. falciparum)
5. Off-label: Sjögren’s syndrome, porphyria cutanea tarda, and certain dermatological conditions

⚠️ Note: Hydroxychloroquine is not effective against chloroquine-resistant malaria, which is widespread in Pakistan and many tropical regions.

Key Benefits of (HCQ 200MG TABLETS):

1. Slows progression of joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis
2. Reduces disease flares and skin lesions in lupus
3. Once- or twice-daily oral dosing
4. Lower toxicity profile compared to chloroquine
5. Cost-effective long-term therapy for autoimmune diseases

How To Use (HCQ 200MG TABLETS):

1. Take with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.
2. Swallow whole with water—do not crush or chew.
3. For autoimmune diseases: Usually once or twice daily (dose based on body weight)
4. For malaria prophylaxis: 400mg (2 tablets) once weekly, starting 1–2 weeks before travel and continuing 4 weeks after exposure
5. For malaria treatment: Higher initial dose followed by maintenance doses over 3 days
6. Never self-treat malaria—confirm diagnosis and sensitivity first

When Not to Use (HCQ 200MG TABLETS):

Do not use if you have:

1. Hypersensitivity to hydroxychloroquine or 4-aminoquinolines
2. Pre-existing retinal disease or maculopathy
3. Known G6PD deficiency (risk of hemolysis)
4. Porphyria
5. History of QT prolongation or arrhythmias (use with extreme caution)

Side Effects of (HCQ 200MG TABLETS):

Common: Nausea, abdominal cramps, headache, dizziness, rash, itching.

Rare: Hair lightening, muscle weakness, mood changes, hypoglycemia.

Serious (require monitoring):

1. Retinal toxicity (irreversible vision loss—symptoms: blurred vision, difficulty focusing, color vision changes)
2. Cardiomyopathy or QT prolongation (palpitations, syncope)
3. Severe hypoglycemia (especially in diabetics)
4. Hemolytic anemia (in G6PD deficiency)
5. Discontinue and seek immediate help if visual or cardiac symptoms occur.

Dosage: (HCQ 200MG TABLETS):

1. Rheumatoid arthritis / Lupus:
2. Max 5 mg/kg/day (typically 200–400mg daily)
3. Usual dose: 200–400mg once daily
4. Malaria prophylaxis: 400mg once weekly
5. Malaria treatment: 800mg initially, then 400mg at 6, 24, and 48 hours
6. Duration: Long-term for autoimmune diseases; short-course for malaria

Who It’s For (HCQ 200MG TABLETS):

Adults with autoimmune disorders (RA, SLE) or travelers to chloroquine-sensitive malaria zones. Not for acute malaria in Pakistan due to high resistance rates.

Warnings & Precautions:

1. Baseline and annual eye exams are mandatory during long-term use (risk of retinopathy)
2. Avoid in patients with pre-existing heart conduction abnormalities
3. Monitor blood glucose in diabetics—may cause severe hypoglycemia
4. Use cautiously with other QT-prolonging drugs (e.g., azithromycin, fluconazole)
5. Not recommended during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks (especially in first trimester)

Drug Interactions:

1. Digoxin: ↑ Serum digoxin levels
2. QT-prolonging drugs (e.g., macrolides, antipsychotics): ↑ Risk of arrhythmia
3. Insulin/oral hypoglycemics: ↑ Risk of severe hypoglycemia
4. Methotrexate: May increase toxicity
5. Always inform your doctor about all medications.

Additional Information:

Store below 30°C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children—overdose can be fatal. Do not use after expiration date. Available by prescription in Pakistan.