section name header

Pronunciation

hye-drox-ee-KLOR-oh-kwin

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: antimalarials, antirheumatics (DMARDs)

Indications

REMS


Action

  • Inhibits protein synthesis in susceptible organisms by inhibiting DNA and RNA polymerase.
Therapeutic effects:
  • Death of plasmodia responsible for causing malaria.
  • Also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Spectrum:

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Highly variable (31–100%) following oral administration.

Distribution: Widely distributed; high concentrations in RBCs.

Metabolism/Excretion: Partially metabolized by the liver to active metabolites; partially excreted unchanged by the kidneys.

Half-Life: 40 days.

Time/Action Profile

(plasma concentrations)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
POrapid1–2 hrdays–wk



Onset of antirheumatic action may take 6 wk.



Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

CV: heart block, HF, QT interval prolongation, TORSADES DE POINTES

Derm: acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, alopecia, DRUG REACTION WITH EOSINOPHILIA AND SYSTEMIC SYMPTOMS (DRESS), ERYTHEMA MULTIFORME, hair color changes, hyperpigmentation, photosensitivity, pruritus, rash, STEVENS-JOHNSON SYNDROME (SJS), TOXIC EPIDERMAL NECROLYSIS, urticaria

EENT: corneal deposits, nystagmus, retinopathy, tinnitus, vertigo, visual disturbances

Endo: hypoglycemia

GI: liver enzymes, abdominal pain, anorexia, diarrhea, HEPATOTOXICITY, nausea, vomiting

GU: proteinuria

Hemat: AGRANULOCYTOSIS, APLASTIC ANEMIA, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia

Metab: weight loss

Neuro: aggressiveness, anxiety, ataxia, dizziness, dyskinesia, dystonia, fatigue, headache, irritability, neuromyopathy, nightmares, peripheral neuritis, personality changes, psychoses, SEIZURES, SUICIDAL THOUGHTS/BEHAVIORS, tremor

Resp: bronchospasm, PULMONARY HYPERTENSION

Misc: ANGIOEDEMA

Interactions

Drug-drug:

Route/Dosage

Malaria

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Lupus Erythematosus

Availability

(Generic available)

Assessment

Lab Test Considerations:

Implementation

Patient/Family Teaching

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

US Brand Names

Plaquenil, Sovuna