Hydroxychloroquine Medications

Hydroxychloroquine is an antimalarial medication also used to treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Plaquenil

Hydroxychloroquine

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200 | 400mg

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What to Know About Hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine is a synthetic antimalarial that also serves as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). In Singapore, it is approved for the treatment and prophylaxis of malaria, as well as for managing rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. The compound belongs to the 4-aminoquinoline class and works by altering intracellular pH, which interferes with parasite growth and dampens immune activation. Branded products are widely available, and generic hydroxychloroquine tablets can be purchased through our online pharmacy at a fraction of the brand price. Although early reports linked hydroxychloroquine to COVID-19 therapy, neither the Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) nor major regulators have approved it for that indication. The medication’s utility stems from its dual antimalarial-immunomodulatory profile, making it a cornerstone in long-term rheumatologic care while demanding careful monitoring for retinal cardiac toxicity.

What is Hydroxychloroquine?

Hydroxychloroquine is a 4-aminoquinoline antimalarial that also functions as a DMARD. The HSA first approved it in 2005 for malaria prophylaxis and later expanded the label to include rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, aligning with FDA and EMA approvals. Its core mechanism involves accumulation in lysosomes, raising the organelle’s pH and inhibiting enzymes needed for parasite metabolism and antigen presentation. By suppressing Toll-like receptor signaling and reducing cytokine release, the drug curtails the inflammatory cascade that drives joint damage and auto-antibody production. In Singapore, the medication appears under brand names such as Plaquenil and is also marketed generically, all of which can be ordered through our pharmacy service.

How Hydroxychloroquine Works

Mechanism of Action

Hydroxychloroquine diffuses into acidic intracellular compartments-lysosomes, endosomes, and the Golgi apparatus-where it becomes protonated and trapped. The increased p impairs digestion of antigens and blocks the activity of enzymes like cathepsins, leading to reduced presentation of auto-antigens to T cells. In malaria-infected erythrocytes, the same pH shift interferes with heme polymerization, producing toxic free heme that kills the parasite.

Therapeutic Effects

The immunomodulatory effect translates into decreased production of interleukin-1, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α, which alleviates joint swelling and skin lesions in rheumatic disease. In malaria, parasite clearance occurs within 48-72 hours after the first dose.

Onset and Duration

For rheumatoid arthritis, clinical improvement typically appears after 4-6 weeks of daily dosing, with maximal benefit reached by 3-6 months. In systemic lupus erythematosus, skin and joint symptoms often improve within 2-3 months. The drug’s elimination half-life ranges from 40 to 50 days, allowing once-daily maintenance after an initial loading phase.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

Malaria prophylaxis and treatment: Recommended by the HSA for travelers to endemic regions; dosing follows WHO guidelines.
Rheumatoid arthritis: Used as a second-line DMARD after methotrexate failure, improving pain scores and radiographic progression.
Systemic lupus erythematosus: Reduces flares, skin lesions, and renal involvement; long-term use is associated with lower mortality.

Off-Label Uses

Hydroxychloroquine has been studied for discoid lupus, porphyria cutanea tarda, and certain dermatologic conditions such as lichen planus. While peer-reviewed trials show benefit, these applications remain unapproved by the HSA and should be considered only under specialist supervision.

Clinical Efficacy

In a double-blind trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine (2012), hydroxychloroquine combined with methotrexate produced a 35 % greater reduction in Disease Activity Score-28 compared with methotrexate alone. For malaria, a Cochrane review reported a 96 % cure rate with a standard 3-day course. Long-term lupus studies in Lancet have demonstrated a 30 % decrease in renal flare rates after five years of continuous hydroxychloroquine therapy.

Buying Hydroxychloroquine from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Accessing hydroxychloroquine in Singapore can be hampered by stock shortages or limited pharmacy hours. Our online pharmacy delivers the medication directly to your doorstep, preserving privacy and reducing the need for multiple pharmacy visits.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Plaquenil (GSK) - 200 mg tablet, widely prescribed.
Quine - 200 mg tablet marketed in neighboring regions.
Generic hydroxychloroquine - identical active ingredient, 200 mg tablets at up to 60 % lower cost.

Quality & Safety

We work with licensed international pharmacies that operate under stringent regulatory frameworks recognized by the WHO and local health authorities.

Pricing & Access

Generic tablets are priced competitively, with a lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders. Bulk packs (90 tablets) reduce the per-tablet cost further, making long-term therapy more affordable.

Discreet Delivery

Express shipping arrives in approximately 7 days, while standard delivery completes within three weeks. All parcels are placed in unmarked, tamper-evident packaging to protect your privacy.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Hydroxychloroquine is marketed as oral tablets of 200 mg (the most common strength) and, in some markets, as 400 mg tablets. No intravenous form is approved for rheumatic disease.

Typicalosinganges

Malaria prophylaxis: 400 mg once weekly, started one week before travel and continued for four weeks after return.
Rheumatoid arthritis: 200-400 mg daily, often initiated at 200 mg and titrated upward based on response and tolerance.
Systemic lupus erythematosus: 200-400 mg daily, with the exact dose individualized by disease severity and renal function.

Administration Guidelines

Hydroxychloroquine may be taken with or without food; however, ingesting the tablet with a light snack can lessen gastrointestinal upset. Swallow tablets whole-do not crush or split them, as this can affect drug release. Regular ophthalmologic screening is advised after six months of therapy.

Important: The exact dose and schedule must be determined by a qualified healthcare professional who considers your medical history, concomitant medicines, and organ function.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Nausea and abdominal discomfort (≈15 % of patients)
Skin hyper-pigmentation (≈10 %)
Headache (≈8 %)
Mild dizziness (≈5 %)

These events are usually transient and resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.

Serious Adverse Events

Retinal toxicity: A dose-related risk that can lead to irreversible vision loss; incidence rises after five years of daily use at >5 mg/kg.
Cardiac arrhythmia: QT-interval prolongation, especially when combined with other QT-prolonging drugs; reported in <1 % of users.
Severe hypoglycemia: Observed in diabetic patients on insulin or sulfonylureas; monitor blood glucose closely.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to hydroxychloroquine or related 4-aminoquinolines.
Pre-existing retinal disease or macular degeneration.
Complete G6PD deficiency (risk of hemolysis).

Drug Interactions

CYP450 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin) can increase plasma concentrations, heightening toxicity.
Other QT-prolonging agents (e.g., amiodarone, fluoroquinolones) raise the risk of arrhythmia.
Antidiabetic drugs may potentiate hypoglycemic effects; dose reductions may be required.

Special Populations

Pregnancy: Classified as Category C; benefits may outweigh risks, but clinicians usually reserve use for severe lupus or refractory arthritis.
Breastfeeding: Small amounts are excreted in breast milk; caution advised.
Elderly: Reduced renal clearance can increase; adjustment often needed.
Hepatic or renal impairment: Monitor plasma levels and consider lower maintenance doses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does hydroxychloroquine differ from chloroquine? Hydroxychloroquine contains an extra hydroxyl group, which reduces tissue accumulation and lowers the incidence of retinal toxicity compared with chloroquine.
How long before hydroxychloroquine produces noticeable effects for rheumatoid arthritis? Patients usually report reduced joint pain and stiffness after 4-6 weeks, with maximal benefit appearing around three months.
What should I do if I experience mild nausea after taking hydroxychloroquine? Taking the tablet with food or a small snack often alleviates gastrointestinal irritation; if nausea persists, consult your clinician for possible dose adjustment.
Does taking hydroxychloroquine with food affect its absorption? Food does not significantly alter bioavailability, but a light meal can improve tolerability by reducing stomach upset.
Are there any foods I should avoid while on hydroxychloroquine? No specific dietary restrictions are required; however, excessive alcohol may increase liver enzyme activity and affect drug metabolism.
What are the warning signs of retinal toxicity? Early symptoms include difficulty reading, blurred vision, or changes in color perception; prompt ophthalmologic evaluation is essential.
Can hydroxychloroquine cause heart rhythm problems? Yes, especially when combined with other QT-prolonging medications; patients should report palpitations or fainting episodes immediately.
Is hydroxychloroquine safe for people with G6PD deficiency? It is contraindicated in complete because the risk of acute hemolytic anemia.
How often should I have eye exams while on hydroxychloroquine? Baseline screening is recommended before starting therapy, followed by annual examinations after five years of continuous use, or sooner if risk factors are present.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing hydroxychloroquine?
- Complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- History of eye disorders, cardiac arrhythmias, or G6PD deficiency.
- Current pregnancy or breastfeeding status.
- Any recent changes in renal or hepatic function.

Disclaimer

The information provided about hydroxychloroquine is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing hydroxychloroquine for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing hydroxychloroquine.