Plaquenil
Keyword: Plaquenil
Plaquenil is used to prevent or treat the malaria virus caused by mosquito bites. The brand name for this medication is Hydroxychlorquine. In addition, hydroxychlorquine will not be effective on all types of malaria. The United States Disease Control Center provides information for the treatment and prevention of the condition when visiting different parts of the country.
Plaquenil is used with other medications to treat auto-immune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. This treatment option is recommended with medications that work to improve the condition or a certain medication can’t be given to a patient. Also, plaquenil is classified in the medication group called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Hydroxychlorquine can decrease skin problems in patients with Lupus. The medication can reduce swelling and pain from arthritis. However, it is not known how Plaquenil really works.
Side Effects
Some of the side effects associated with Plaquenil are nausea, stomach cramps, and loss of appetite, dizziness, diarrhea and headache. If
the conditions continue to get worse then you should consult a physician. Doctors will prescribe this medication to patients because the benefit
outweighs the side effects. Most people who are prescribed Plaquenil do not experience any serious side effects.
Some unlikely or possible side effects that could occur from taking the medication are leg pain, arm pain, back pain, hair loss, hair color change, fast heartbeat, mood changes, psoriasis and ringing in the ears. If you experience any of these side effects then you should contact a doctor immediately.
It is possible for Plaquenil to cause permanent or serious muscle damage or eye problems. This may happens if the medication is taken for a long time. Some other unlikely but serious side effects are stomach pain, easy bleeding, severe vomiting, infection signs, shortness of breath, seizures, ankle swelling, severe tiredness, yellowing of the skin and dark urine. A doctor should be notified immediately if these rare side effects occur.
It is unlikely that a serious allergic reaction will occur from hydroxychlorquine but seek immediate medical attention if an allergic reaction occurs. Some of the signs of an allergic reaction are itching, swelling, rash relating to the face/throat/tongue, trouble breathing and dizziness.
Precautions
Before using hydroxychlorquine, you should notify the doctor of being allergic to hydroxychlorquine or any other drugs. The medication may
contain inactive ingredients that can cause the patient to have an allergic reaction. Also, the medication should not be used in patients that are
diagnosed with certain eye problems like chloroquine. The patient should disclose any medical history to the doctor before taking Plaquenil. If the
medical history consists of kidney disease, alcohol dependency, liver disease, skin problems any genetic problems then the doctor should be aware of
the medical history.
This drug can cause dizziness when operating heavy machinery, driving or any activity that requires alertness. You should avoid drinking alcohol beverages when taking Plaquenil because this can increase the risk of kidney disease. Caution should be used when prescribing children to take the drug. Children are very sensitive to the side effects. Plaquenil is not a recommended medication for treating arthritis when breast feeding or pregnant.