hydroxychloroquine sulphate

CLINICAL USE

Rheumatoid arthritis Systemic lupus erythematosus Dermatological conditions caused or aggravated by sunlightMalaria (unlicensed in UK)

DOSE IN NORMAL RENAL FUNCTION

200–400 mg daily in divided doses; maximum of 6.5 mg/kg/dayProphylaxis of malaria: 400 mg weekly

PHARMACOKINETICS

  • Molecular weight                           :434
  • %Protein binding                           :30–40
  • %Excreted unchanged in urine     : 3
  • Volume of distribution (L/kg)       :Large
  • half-life – normal/ESRD (hrs)      :5.9–504/–

    DOSE IN RENAL IMPAIRMENT

    GFR (mL/MIN)

    30–50 Maximum 75% of dose10–30 25–50% of dose (equivalent of 150 mg daily)

  • <10           : 25– 50% of dose (equivalent of 50–100 mg daily) – use with caution

    DOSE IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPIES

  • CAPD                :Not dialysed. Dose as in GFR <10 mL/min
  • HD                     :Not dialysed. Dose as in GFR <10 mL/min
  • HDF/high flux   :Unknown dialysability. Dose as in GFR <10 mL/min
  • CAV/VVHD      :Unknown dialysability. Dose as in GFR=10–30 mL/min

    IMPORTANT DRUG INTERACTIONS

    Potentially hazardous interactions with other drugs

  • Anti-arrhythmics: increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias with amiodarone – avoid concomitant use
  • Antibacterials: increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias with moxifloxacin – avoid concomitant use
  • Anti-epileptics: antagonism of anticonvulsant effect
  • Antimalarials: increased risk of convulsions with mefloquine; avoid concomitant use with artemether/lumefantrine
  • Ciclosporin: increased ciclosporin concentration (increased risk of toxicity)Digoxin: possibly increased concentration of digoxinLanthanum: absorption possibly reduced by lanthanum – give at least 2 hours apart

    ADMINISTRATION

    Reconstition

    Route

    Oral

    Rate of Administration

    Comments

    OTHER INFORMATION

    Take with a meal or a glass of milk Excretory patterns are not well characterised, but hydroxychloroquine and its metabolites are slowly excreted via the kidneysAttempt to avoid prolonged use in renal failureIn renal insufficiency, need more than annual eye examinationsDoses from Seyffart, probably not actually practical to give reduced dose so try giving longer dose intervals

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