What is hydroxychloroquine?
Hydroxychloroquine is an antimalaria medication used for the prevention and treatment of malaria in areas without chloroquine resistance. It is sold under the brand name Quensyl® and as a generic.
In addition, hydroxychloroquin is an important drug in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematodes (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis. It is only suitable for malaria prophylaxis in regions with chloroquine-sensitive plasmodies (parts of Central America, Middle East, parts of Asia).
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Hydroxychloroquin (als Sulfat)
Enforcement mechanism (malaria):
- In the sour food vacuole of the Malaria parasite
- inhibits the hempolymerase of the parasite
- Toxic haem accumulates and kills the parasite
- Works against blood stadiums (erythrocytic schizophrenia)
Additional properties:
- Immunomodulating (here use in autoimmune diseases)
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antiproliferative
Restriction: Hydroxychloroquine does not act against hepatitis. Therefore, taking 4 weeks after the journey is necessary to intercept parasites that pass from the liver into the blood.
Who is it suitable for?
Hydroxychloroquin for malaria prophylaxis is suitable for:
- Travellers in areas MIT Chloroquin-sensitive malaria
- Parts of Central America, Middle East, parts of South Asia
- Long-term travellers (good for longer stays)
Not suitable:
- Areas with chloroquin resistance (subsaharian Africa, Southeast Asia, South America)
- Heavy retinal diseases (retinopathy)
- hypersensitivity to 4-aminoquinoline
- G6PD deficiency (hemolysis risk)
- Myasthenia gravis
Available Dosages
Malariaprophylaxis:
- 400 mg (2 tablets of 200 mg) once a week
- Start: 1–2 weeks before entry
- During the entire stay: weekly
- After departure: another 4 weeks
Available starches:
- 200 mg film tablets
Intake date:
- Always take on the same weekday
- Example: Every Monday
How to Take
Intake:
- Once a week on the same weekday
- Take a meal
- With sufficient water
Prophylaxe Schema: 1. Start: 1–2 weeks before the trip Two. Weekly during the trip 3. Continue taking 4 weeks after return
Important notes:
- Recover forgotten dose as soon as possible
- Use sun protection (phototoxicity possible)
- mosquito protection remains essential
- Regular eye examinations for long-term use
Contraindications
**Hydroxychloroquin must not be taken at:* *
- Preliminary maculopathy/retinopathy
- hypersensitivity to hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine
- G6PD deficiency
- Myasthenia gravis
Preview at:
- Epilepsy (lowering of the cramp threshold)
- Liver malfunction
- Kidney failure
- Porphyry
- Psoriasis (deterioration possible)
- QT-time extension or medicines that extend QT
- Pregnancy (benefit risk weighing, applicable to malariaprophylaxis)
Possible Side Effects
Family (1–10 %):
- Gastrointestinal complaints (abdominal pain, diarrhea)
- Headaches
- Skin rash
** Occasionally (0.1-1 %):* *
- visual disorders
- Squeeze
- nervousness, sleep disorders
- Hair loss
- Itching
Selten but serious (long-term application):
- Retinopathy (irreversible retinal damage) – regular eye controls!
- cardiomyopathy
- Neuromyopathy
- Blood-image changes
- QT-time extension
** In short-term malaria prophylaxis (a few weeks), the risk of severe side effects is very low. Retinopathy is above all a problem with long-term therapy over years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar Medications
Is hydroxychloroquine right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Important Safety Information
This service operates under German pharmaceutical law (HWG). For risks and side effects, read the package leaflet and consult your doctor or pharmacist. All medications are dispensed from a licensed pharmacy in Germany.