Plaquenil 60 Tablets

Plaquenil 60 Tablets

Description:

Plaquenil 200 mg film-coated tablets (Plaquenil 60 Tablets) is a prescription systemic medicine containing hydroxychloroquine sulphate, an aminoquinoline derivative with antimalarial and antirheumatic properties. It is widely used for the treatment and long-term management of autoimmune rheumatic diseases and for the prevention and treatment of certain types of malaria. Plaquenil works by modulating the immune response and interfering with the growth and survival of malaria parasites, helping to control inflammation, reduce painful symptoms, and prevent disease flares. This product is intended for adult use under strict medical supervision.

Indications:

• Treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis in adults, including reduction of joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
• Treatment of discoid and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), helping to control skin lesions, fatigue, and joint symptoms.
• Adjunctive therapy in other autoimmune connective tissue diseases as prescribed by a rheumatologist.
• Prevention (prophylaxis) of malaria caused by susceptible Plasmodium species in areas where chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine sensitivity is documented.
• Treatment of acute attacks of malaria due to susceptible Plasmodium species, when recommended by national and international malaria guidelines.
• Helps decrease frequency and severity of disease flares in chronic autoimmune conditions.

Active Ingredients / Key Components:

• Hydroxychloroquine sulphate – 200 mg per film-coated tablet (exact strength per tablet as stated in the product name: plaquenil 200 mg 60 f.c. tabs).
• Excipients (inactive ingredients) – film-coating and tablet core excipients such as fillers, binders, and colorants (full excipient list is not available in the provided information; please refer to the official package leaflet for complete details).

Dosage & Administration / How to Use:

• Plaquenil must always be used exactly as prescribed by a physician experienced in the use of antimalarial and antirheumatic medicines.
• Rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases: Typical adult maintenance doses often range from 200 mg to 400 mg daily (1–2 tablets per day), taken with food or a glass of milk to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort. The exact dose, schedule, and duration are determined by the treating doctor based on body weight, disease severity, and response to therapy.
• Lupus erythematosus: Dosing is usually 200–400 mg daily (1–2 tablets), as a single dose or divided doses, as directed by the physician. Long-term continuous use is common, with regular monitoring.
• Malaria prophylaxis (prevention): A typical adult regimen (where indicated) may be 400 mg (2 tablets) once weekly, starting 1–2 weeks before entering an endemic area, continued during stay, and for 4 weeks after leaving. Exact schedule must follow national malaria guidelines and physician instructions.
• Malaria treatment: Dosing regimens vary depending on Plasmodium species, body weight, and local resistance patterns. Use only under medical supervision and according to official treatment protocols.
• Tablets should be swallowed whole with water and not crushed or chewed unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional.
• Take the medicine at the same time each day to maintain stable blood levels.
• Do not exceed the prescribed daily dose. Long-term treatment requires regular medical follow-up, including eye examinations and blood tests.
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed dose.

Clinical Benefits:

• Helps control signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, including joint pain, swelling, and morning stiffness, improving mobility and quality of life.
• Reduces disease activity and flare frequency in systemic and discoid lupus erythematosus, supporting long-term disease control.
• Provides antimalarial prophylaxis and treatment against susceptible Plasmodium strains by inhibiting parasite growth and survival.
• Exerts immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects by antagonizing inflammatory mediators (such as histamine and serotonin) and inhibiting prostaglandin production and leukocyte chemotaxis.
• May allow reduction of doses of other concomitant immunosuppressive or corticosteroid therapies in some patients, as determined by the physician.
• Oral tablet form offers convenient, once-daily or divided dosing suitable for long-term management under medical supervision.

Warnings & Contraindications:

• Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine sulphate) is a prescription-only medicine and must not be used without medical supervision.
• Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, or any of the excipients.
• Contraindicated in patients with pre-existing maculopathy or certain retinal diseases, due to risk of irreversible retinal damage.
• Use with extreme caution in patients with pre-existing eye disorders, visual field defects, or those receiving other retinotoxic drugs. Baseline and regular ophthalmologic examinations are mandatory during long-term therapy.
• Use cautiously in patients with hepatic or renal impairment, psoriasis, porphyria, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, or certain blood disorders; dose adjustment and close monitoring may be required.
• May prolong QT interval; caution in patients with cardiac disease, electrolyte disturbances, or those taking other QT-prolonging medicines.
• May cause hypoglycemia; use with caution in patients with diabetes or those on antidiabetic therapy. Monitor blood glucose levels regularly.
• Consult your doctor before use if pregnant or planning pregnancy. Hydroxychloroquine crosses the placenta; use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk. Discuss breastfeeding with your doctor, as the drug is excreted in breast milk.
• May interact with other medicines such as digoxin, antiepileptics, antidiabetic drugs, certain antibiotics, and other antimalarials. Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all medications and supplements you are taking.
• May cause dizziness or visual disturbances; if affected, do not drive or operate machinery.
• Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease without proper medical evaluation and prescription.
• Keep out of reach of children. Accidental ingestion, especially in children, can be fatal; seek emergency medical help immediately if overdose is suspected.

Side Effects:

• Common side effects: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, skin rash or itching, mild visual disturbances (blurred vision, difficulty focusing).
• Less common but serious side effects: Retinal toxicity and irreversible vision changes (difficulty reading, blurred or distorted vision, visual field defects), cardiomyopathy or heart rhythm disturbances, severe hypoglycemia, muscle weakness or neuromyopathy, hearing problems, severe skin reactions, blood dyscrasias (anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia), liver function abnormalities.
• Stop taking the medicine and seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden changes in vision, severe skin rash, difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe weakness, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or signs of severe hypoglycemia (confusion, sweating, palpitations, fainting).
• Report any persistent or bothersome side effects to your doctor or pharmacist. Regular monitoring (eye exams, blood tests, and clinical assessments) is essential during long-term therapy.

Storage Instructions:

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed and store at room temperature unless otherwise specified on the package. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack. Keep out of reach and sight of children.

Specifications:

• Product type: Prescription systemic medicine (antimalarial and antirheumatic).
• Active ingredient strength: hydroxychloroquine sulphate 200 mg per film-coated tablet.
• Form: Film-coated tablet for oral use.
• Pack size: 60 tablets per pack.
• Intended users: Adults and adolescents as prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Disclaimer:
All pharmacy products are intended for general use only and do not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a healthcare provider before use. Results may vary, and no specific outcomes are guaranteed. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease unless stated. Follow label instructions carefully, as misuse may cause adverse effects. Compliance with local laws is the customer’s responsibility.