Hydroxychloroquine 200mg for Malaria and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Key Insights

06/11/2025

 

What is Hydroxychloroquine 200mg?

Hydroxychloroquine is a prescription drug that belongs to the class of drugs known as antimalarial drugs. It was derived originally to help prevent and treat uncomplicated malaria. HCQ is also used in combination with other drugs in areas or regions that have built resistance against Chloroquine and are no longer effective in tackling malaria. In addition to antimalarial, HCQ is also a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) that helps in managing pain and inflammation. The drug alters the mechanism of the immune system and hence has been used against autoimmune health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Hydroxychloroquine is sold under the common brand name Plaquenil. The medication is available in the strengths 200mg, 300mg, and 400mg and is administered orally in the form of tablets. The dosage and treatment span would vary among individuals; your doctor would decide the correct dosage based on your symptoms and other factors.

Mechanism of Hydroxychloroquine

Malaria is a condition caused by the Plasmodium parasite, which is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. This condition is a serious health issue, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. While addressing malaria, hydroxychloroquine works by hindering the activity of the parasites in RBC that feed on hemoglobin, leading to their death. Such properties of HCQ make it not only effective in treating uncomplicated malaria but also act as preventive measures among people exposed to the potential threat of contracting this disease.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic autoimmune health condition characterized by pain, swelling, stiffness, and inflammation of the joints, as well as progressive deterioration of the joint tissues. While being used for rheumatoid arthritis, the functioning of HCQ is not very clear. It is believed that it relieves the symptoms of RA by interfering with the functioning of the body’s immune system. Its antioxidant properties also help minimize the oxidative stress in the joints and slow the progression of joint damage. At the same time, its anti-inflammatory traits bring relief from pain and inflammation.

Dosage of Hydroxychloroquine

For Treating Malaria

• Adults are typically prescribed 800mg as a single dose. This dosage is later reduced to 400mg, which is to be taken after 6 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours since the initial dosage.

• For children, the dosage is determined based on their body weight. Children weighing less than 31kg are not recommended to take this medication. For children who weigh 31kg and above, the initial prescription is 13mg per kg to match their body weight; this is later reduced to 6.5 mg per kg to be taken after 6hrs, 24hrs, and 48hrs, respectively, after the first dosage.

Note: It is important to note that the 1^st dose should not be more than 800mg, and the 2^nd dose should not be beyond 400mg.

For Preventing Malaria

• Adults are recommended to begin administering this drug 2 weeks prior to their travel to a malaria-prone region. They are to take 400mg once a week, which is to be repeated on the same day in the following week. The treatment should continue for another six weeks after returning from the travel.

• Children weighing 31kgs above are prescribed 6.5mg per kg of their body weight, which should not exceed more than 400mg, once a week. The medication is to be taken on the same day of the next week.

For Rheumatoid arthritis

As per the American College of Rheumatology, people suffering from RA are generally prescribed 200-400mg of Hydroxychloroquine once or twice a day. The exact dosage would be suggested by your doctor. It is advised to take the medication with food to mitigate any stomach discomfort.

Side Effects of Hydroxychloroquine

Just as with any other medication, even HCQ may cause adverse effects. These side effects are further bifurcated into common and serious side effects. The common side effects are mild and would go away on their own as the body builds stability to the medication. A few of the common side effects are listed below:

• Stomach Pain

• Skin Rash

• Headache

• Nausea

Though rare, the serious side effects of HCQ require immediate medical attention. Upon noticing any of the symptoms listed below, refrain from taking this medication and contact your healthcare provider.

• Dizziness, anxiety and confusion

• Blurry vision, change of vision

• Retinal damage

• Heart Palpitation

Conclusion

HCQ is the most effective drug in preventing and addressing uncomplicated malaria. It is also used against malaria when other drugs have not brought positive results. Besides malaria, HCQ is a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug prescribed to deal with chronic rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Studies are also underway to determine if the drug can also be useful against the coronavirus. The medication helps minimize pain and inflammation in the joints and slows the progression of the disease. The drug is useful against multiple health conditions but does have risks associated with it as well. Therefore, before you start taking this drug, you must inform your doctor of your health conditions and any drug or supplements you might be taking to mitigate any risk of altercation.

FAQs:

What conditions does Hydroxychloroquine 200mg treat?

Hydroxychloroquine was primarily derived to prevent and treat uncomplicated malaria. The medicine is also used in combination when other anti-malarial drugs have failed to bring the desired output. Besides malaria, the drug is also effective in treating autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

How should Hydroxychloroquine 200mg be taken for best results?

For best results, the medication should be taken as directed by the healthcare professional. However, the usual dosage for adults to treat mild malaria is 800mg of 1^st dose and 400mg, which is to be taken 6hrs, 24hrs, and 48hrs after the 1^st dose. While treating rheumatoid arthritis, 200mg to 400mg of HCQ is to be taken once or twice daily. For malaria prevention, the doctors recommend 400mg once a week for 2 weeks prior to visiting malaria-prone geographical region. The treatment should continue for six after returning from the travel.

What are the common side effects of Hydroxychloroquine 200mg?

The common side effects of Hydroxychloroquine 200mg are nausea, headache, stomach ache, skin rash, and itching. However, these common side effects are mild and do not require medical care. They will gradually wean off as the body builds stability to the medication.

Can Hydroxychloroquine 200mg be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Studies haven’t revealed Hydroxychloroquine 200mg of any potential risk during pregnancy. While breastfeeding, very small traces of Hydroxychloroquine are passed to the infant and do not pose a threat to the newborn. However, you must always consult your healthcare provider before taking HCQ during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Are there any drug interactions to be aware of when taking Hydroxychloroquine 200mg?

Yes, Hydroxychloroquine 200mg may cause drug interaction. In case you have been prescribed an antacid, you must maintain a gap of 4 hours between Hydroxychloroquine 200mg and the antacid administration. You must also inform your doctor of all the prescription, non-prescription, supplements, and herbal drugs you might be taking. This will help the doctor determine any potential drug interactions.