Hydroxiquine or HQTOR is the most commonly chosen antimalarial as it is usually well-tolerated. The dose chosen is usually 200 mg once or twice per day. The antimalarial agent works by reducing inflammation in people with autoimmune disorders. It is effective in treating the following conditions:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation of joints)
• Idiopathic arthritis in children
• Discoid and systemic lupus erythematosus
• Skin issues which are sensitive to sunlight

The response of antimalarial agents is relatively slow. It may take up to 2 to 3 months for efficacy to be appreciated and sometimes several more months to achieve maximum effectiveness. Always take Hydroxyquine 200 mg tablet exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor if you are not sure. Take medicine orally with a glass full of water. Do not break or crush the tablets. The doctor will decide the dose; a child’s dose depends on the body weight. If you think the effect of the medicine is too weak or too strong. Do not change the dose yourself but ask your doctor. If you have been receiving this medicine for rheumatoid arthritis for more than six months and do not feel that it is helping you, consult your doctor.

The recommended dose for adults (including the elderly) is one or two tablets each day.  

For children and adults, the medicine is suitable for children who weigh more than 31 kg. It may take several weeks before you notice the benefit of taking the hydroxychloroquine sulfate.

• Do not take Hydroxyquine if you are allergic to Hydroxychloroquine, other similar medications such as quinolones and quinine, or any inactive ingredients present in the medicine. Signs of an allergic reaction include a rash, breathing or swallowing issues, and swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue.
• Avoid taking the antimalarial agent if you have an eye problem which affects the retina and the inside of the eye.

Caution should be exercised in patients with a history of eye defects, impaired liver or kidney functions, psoriasis, a blood disorder, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Your doctor may monitor blood count in patients receiving prolonged therapy. An eye exam may also be conducted; you may be tested periodically for muscle weakness. You should also avoid consumption while taking medicine. Some patients may develop mild dizziness, so do not drive a car or operate a machine while taking the medication.  

Let your doctor know if you are taking or have taken any other medication. This includes medicines you might buy without a prescription (vitamins, minerals, or herbal products).

You may have eye problems. This includes eye colour changes and problems with vision, such as blurry vision, sensitivity to light, or how you see the colour. Other side effects of the medicine include muscle cramps, stiffness, spasms or changes in pin sensation such as tingling. If you take this drug for longer, your doctor will check your muscles and tendons to ensure they are working properly.