Hydroxychloroquine — what it’s for and how to use it safely

Hydroxychloroquine is an antimalarial drug that’s also widely used to treat autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. It calms the immune system rather than acting like a painkiller, so benefits build over weeks to months. That slow action matters: don't expect immediate relief the way you would from ibuprofen or a steroid.

Common uses and how it works

Doctors prescribe hydroxychloroquine mainly for: malaria prevention/treatment, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis. It changes how certain immune cells respond and can reduce flares and joint pain over time. Mechanistically, it raises pH in cellular compartments and alters immune signaling — practical result: fewer autoimmune attacks and longer stretches between flare-ups.

Safety, side effects, and monitoring

Side effects are usually mild at first: nausea, stomach upset, headache, and sometimes skin rash. The most serious concern is eye damage (retinopathy) that can become permanent. To reduce this risk, get a baseline eye exam within the first year and regular retinal checks after about 5 years — sooner if you take higher doses, have kidney disease, or already have eye problems. Ask your doctor for the right screening schedule.

Hydroxychloroquine can also affect the heart by prolonging the QT interval, especially when combined with other drugs that do the same (like certain antibiotics or antiarrhythmics). If you have heart disease, an abnormal ECG, low potassium, or take medicines that affect heart rhythm, your prescriber may order an ECG before starting and during treatment. Tell your doctor about all drugs and supplements you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: many rheumatologists continue hydroxychloroquine during pregnancy for lupus because uncontrolled disease is riskier than the drug for most patients. Still, discuss it with your OB or specialist — don’t guess.

How about dosing? Doses vary by condition and body weight. Typical maintenance doses for autoimmune disease are in the 200–400 mg per day range, but the exact plan should come from your doctor. Don’t self-dose or follow advice from social posts — overdosing can be dangerous.

Thinking of buying hydroxychloroquine online? Only buy from licensed pharmacies and always with a prescription. Watch out for sites that don’t require a prescription, offer suspiciously low prices, or hide contact info. Fake or substandard meds can be ineffective or harmful.

Final practical tips: always take the tablet with food if it upsets your stomach, report any visual changes immediately (blurred vision, lights or dark spots), and keep a list of all your medications to check for interactions. If you’re starting or stopping hydroxychloroquine, loop in your doctor — small changes can have big effects.