| Item |
Information |
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Drug Groups
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approved |
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Description
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A chemotherapeutic agent that acts against erythrocytic forms of malarial parasites. |
| Indication |
For the suppressive treatment and treatment of acute attacks of malaria due to Plasmodium vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale, and susceptible strains of P. falciparum. It is also indicated for the treatment of discoid and systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis. |
| Pharmacology |
Hydroxychloroquine possesses antimalarial properties and also exerts a beneficial effect in lupus erythematosus (chronic discoid or systemic) and acute or chronic rheumatoid arthritis. The precise mechanism of action is not known. |
| Toxicity |
Symptoms of overdose include headache, drowsiness, visual disturbances, cardiovascular collapse, and convulsions, followed by sudden and early respiratory and cardiac arrest. The electrocardiogram may reveal atrial standstill, nodal rhythm, prolonged intraventricular conduction time, and progressive bradycardia leading to ventricular fibrillation and/or arrest. |
| Affected Organisms |
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| Biotransformation |
Partially hepatic, to active de-ethylated metabolites. |
| Absorption |
Very rapidly and completely absorbed following oral administration. |
| Half Life |
Terminal elimination half-life In blood is approximately 50 days. In plasma it is approximately 32 days. |
| Protein Binding |
Approximately 45%. |
| External Links |
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