Common use
Plaquenil, also known as Hydroxychloroquine, is a drug that has a few different uses to help and deal with certain diseases. One of the most common uses for this drug is in the treatment and prevention of malaria. Doctors may recommend that those who will be exposed to areas where malaria is more likely take Plaquenil prior to exposure to these areas.

Additionally, Plaquenil is also used to help and treat auto-immune diseases like lupus and arthritis. This drug is known as a disease-modifying drug that works with the body to lessen certain symptoms of auto-immune disease.

Dosage and direction
Plaquenil will most often be found in the form of a tablet. These tablets are often administered in sizes of 200 mg serving sizes. Plaquenil will be similar to most other pills in both size and it’s white color and should be labeled with the name of the drug along the side.

As far as doses go, the amount of tablets you have to take depends on you and what is being treated. Some people may just need one tablet a week by mouth with food or milk for the necessary effects to take their course as needed.

Precautions
Despite the wide range of benefits that are offered by this drug, there are some precautions to be taken before going ahead and using the drug. In particular, those who suffer from gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, or neurological issues.

Patients with a history of renal issues and issues that involve the blood should take caution taking this drug as it could trigger issues such as anemia if the body reacts poorly to the drug. These drugs are highly dangerous when exposed to children, so nursing mothers and those with children need to be aware of the risks this medicine poses to younger children.

Contraindications
Using Plaquenil is seen as a contraindication when exposed to patients who are more sensitive to compounds containing 4-aminoquinolines. There is a contraindication among small children and those who are still nursing from their mothers as they are much more sensitive than older people when exposed to 4-aminoquinolines.

In a similar sense to younger patients, older patients who are considering taking this drug need to be aware that it can pose a risk to their bodies. Elderly patients are more likely to have bodily systems that are weakened and less able to deal with the possible side effects that the drug brings on.

Possible side effect
Side effects related to the usage of Plaquenil vary greatly as they are often seen in different forms with people who have unique underlying issues. For those with cardiac issues, side effects of this drug can include cardiac failure in rare cases that may lead to death. In a similar sense, certain patients have experienced negative neurological side effects like seizures and dizziness as the result of taking this drug. Along with the severe side effects, there are also some minor side effects that can also be experienced. 

Drug interaction
Plaquenil has been seen to have a number of interactions with different drugs that can cause issues or cause one of the drugs to be rendered ineffective. If you need to make sure there are no conflicts between this drug and other prescriptions, you should consult with your doctor to make sure no adverse effects will arise.

A primary issue that comes with using this drug in combination with certain other drugs is an increased chance of heart arrhythmia. Understanding what else you take and how it affects the body is the best way to prevent issues.

Missed dose
Understanding how to respond in the instance that you missed a dose of your prescribed medicine is essential to make sure that you are taking the necessary steps to recovery. If you miss a dosage of your prescribed Plaquenil, the first thing you want to do is inform your doctor. They may suggest that you either take the dose late or simply skip a cycle.

Never double dose your medicine especially if you try to take the missed dose in the same timeframe as the new dose. Your doctor may tell you to simply skip the dose or take it at another time to prevent any issues.

Overdose

This drug rapidly absorbs into the body and will start to have issues within the body after just around 30 minutes in certain patients. The most important thing to do when you believe you have overdosed on this medication is to notify your doctor and medical services immediately to get you help. There are a number of issues that arise if you happen to overdose on this drug.

Patients will likely need immediate medical attention to ensure they do not experience severe and often deadly cardiovascular and respiratory issues that can arise if too much of this medication is ingested.

Storage

Storing this drug is similar to how you would want to store most other pill-based medications. Keeping the medicine stored in the container it came in a room-temperature area will preserve it best. Keep it away from moisture and harsh light as well as temperatures that are very hot or cold.

Ensure that this medicine is kept out of reach of children and that it is always sealed. Check with your doctor as how to dispose of the medicine once you are finished with your treatment.

Conclusion

Plaquenil is a very powerful drug that can directly help many patients. From malaria to arthritis, proper use of this drug can resolve many issues. However, this drug should only be used when really needed as it can have severe side effects when used by the wrong people that can be fatal in certain circumstances.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.