Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) _- Uses, Mechanism Of Action, Adverse Effects & Contraindications

Hydroxychloroquine, commercially known as Plaquenil, is a medication used in the treatment & prevention of malaria in areas where malaria remains sensitive to chloroquine. In addition, it is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Systemic lupus erythematosus. And porphyria cutanea tarda.
Hydroxychloroquine has different mechanisms of actions according to the disease being treated by the drug. In case of malaria, it is indicated for prophylaxis in geographic areas where chloroquine resistance is not reported. Additionally, it is used in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by plasmodium vivax, plasmodium malariae, plasmodium ovale, and plasmodium falciparum. Here, hydroxychloroquine accumulates within the lysosomes of malaria parasite, raising the P H within. This causes inability to proteolyze human hemoglobin, and consequently, impaired growth & replication of the parasite.
In the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, hydroxychloroquine acts as a disease modifying anti rheumatic drug. Though the mechanism of action is not well understood here, it reduces the inflammation, pain, and swelling associated with rheumatoid arthritis. It also reduces joint damage and helps prevent disability in the long term. Hydroxychloroquine is the first line drug in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus, regardless of the disease severity. Here it acts as an immunomodulator & reduces flare ups and improves survival of the patient.

#Hydroxychloroquine #Plaquenil #MedToday