Hydroxychloroquine: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Hydroxychloroquine is an antimalarial and disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). It is a prescription medicine used for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, discoid lupus and malaria. In Pakistan it is available as tablets, made by 2 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Hydroxychloroquine works

Hydroxychloroquine changes the way certain immune cells work. It makes compartments inside these cells less acidic, which interferes with how immune signals are processed and calms the overactive immune response that drives inflammation. In malaria it stops the parasite from safely breaking down haemoglobin inside red blood cells.

What is Hydroxychloroquine used for?

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lupus
• Discoid lupus
• Malaria

Hydroxychloroquine is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, including systemic lupus erythematosus and discoid lupus, where it helps reduce joint pain and swelling, skin rashes and tiredness and lowers the risk of flare-ups. It is also used for some light-sensitive skin conditions and, in certain situations, for malaria. In arthritis its benefits build up slowly over several weeks to months.

Side effects of Hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine is one of the better-tolerated arthritis medicines, but some people get:

• Nausea or stomach cramps
• Diarrhoea
• Headache
• Skin rash or itching
• Loss of appetite

Contact your doctor promptly if you notice blurred vision or difficulty reading or seeing colours, a severe or blistering rash, palpitations or fainting, muscle weakness, or low mood or unusual thoughts.

Precautions and warnings

• Regular eye checks are recommended during long-term treatment, as it can rarely damage the retina; report any change in your vision straight away.
• Tell your doctor if you have heart rhythm problems, psoriasis, epilepsy, liver or kidney disease, diabetes or G6PD deficiency.
• It can lower blood sugar and interacts with several medicines that affect heart rhythm, so tell your doctor about everything you take.
• Antacids can reduce its absorption, so keep a gap of a few hours between them.
• Many women with lupus continue it during pregnancy on specialist advice, so do not stop it without discussing it with your doctor.

Frequently asked questions about Hydroxychloroquine

What is the price of Hydroxychloroquine in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Hydroxychloroquine products currently in stock range from Rs 432 to Rs 937 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Qinmax 200mg Tablet at Rs 432. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Hydroxychloroquine are available in Pakistan?

Hydroxychloroquine is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Plaquin-h (Macter International Ltd), Hcq (Getz Pharma Ltd) and Qinmax (Shrooq).

Do I need a prescription for Hydroxychloroquine?

Yes. Hydroxychloroquine is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.

Can Hydroxychloroquine be used during pregnancy?

Many women with lupus continue it during pregnancy on specialist advice, so do not stop it without discussing it with your doctor.

Are all Hydroxychloroquine brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Hydroxychloroquine in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Hydroxychloroquine brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 3 products containing Hydroxychloroquine from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.

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