• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved hydroxychloroquine for malaria, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis so it is safe and effective.
• It helps prevent as well as treat malaria, a mosquito-borne disease that could lead to medical complications if left untreated.
• Daily use of this drug has been found effective for people with rheumatoid arthritis, providing relief from joint pain and swelling.
• Hydroxychloroquine has also been found effective in subsiding skin issues in people with lupus.

The precise working of hydroxychloroquine in treating and preventing malaria is not known. However, it acts on the cellular level when it comes to malaria prevention and treatment. It is also unknown how the drug works in treating autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Studies have found that hydroxychloroquine has antiviral-like effects on the certain infections caused by the certain viruses. However, once again, the exact mechanism is unknown.

• Take hydroxychloroquine pills exactly as instructed by your primary care physician. Make sure you follow all directions on your prescription label.
• The drug is sometimes given only once a week so choose the same day each week to take your medicine if it has been advised on a weekly dosing schedule.
• Take this antimalarial drug with a glass of milk or a meal.
• For malaria prevention, take the medicine 2 weeks before going to an area where malaria is common.
• For malaria treatment, take hydroxychloroquine for 3 days, starting with a high dose and then by a smaller dose for the next 2 days.
• For lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, take the medicine daily as advised until your doctor tell you to discontinue.
• Take the medicine for the full prescribed length of time even if the symptoms improve before the infection is completely gone.

• It is important to use this drug after informing your doctor about your medical history of drug allergies or chronic medical conditions.
• Hydroxychloroquine is used with great caution in patients with blood disorders, GI disorders, neurological issues, liver or kidney disease.
• It is not advised to patients with a history of quinoline allergy, including chloroquine.
• More importantly, tell your doctor if you are taking any prescription or OTC drugs because hydroxychloroquine may adversely interact with certain drugs.
• It is unknown whether the drug is safe for pregnant women or nursing mothers.

Hydroxychloroquine may or may not cause mild side effects such as:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach upset
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Loss of appetite
• Mood changes
• Irritability

This is not the complete list of side effects associated with this malaria drug. You may experience other side effects. Most people using this drug do not have any severe side effects. If you experience vision trouble, palpitations, increased pulse rate, dizziness, mood changes or any other unpleasant side effects, get immediate medical attention.

• Do not overdose with hydroxychloroquine, as doing so could increase the risk of adverse events. See your doctor if you have overdosed with this drug.
• This antimalarial drug could increase the risk of skin sensitivity to the sun, so avoid sun exposure and wear protective clothing if you should go out.
• Hydroxychloroquine may cause little dizziness during treatment so avoid outdoor activities that need your attention.
• Take your antacids four hours before or after taking this medication.
• Older individuals are more susceptible to the side effects of this medicine, especially those who have an underlying heart condition.