Rheumatology

Make an Appointment

Hydroxychloroquine

Why Is This Treatment Needed?

Hydroxychloroquine is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) used to treat:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
  • Other autoimmune diseases
  • Post-viral arthritis (such as after Chikungunya)

It reduces immune overactivity, helping decrease joint pain, swelling, skin rashes, and protecting organs from damage.

How Does Hydroxychloroquine Work?

In arthritis and lupus, the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. Hydroxychloroquine helps reduce this attack, leading to:

  • Less joint pain and swelling
  • Improvement of skin rashes and fatigue
  • Protection from long-term joint and organ damage
Dosing (Sri Lanka)
  • Available in 200 mg tablets.
  • Typical dose: 200–400 mg daily (1–2 tablets per day).
  • Your doctor will prescribe the correct dose based on your weight and condition.
  • Must be taken every day to work effectively.
When Will I Notice Benefits?
  • Effects usually begin after 6–12 weeks.
  • Your doctor may use other medicines (e.g., steroids) to control symptoms until Hydroxychloroquine takes effect.
Important Safety Considerations

Hydroxychloroquine is generally very well tolerated.

The most important safety issue is its effect on the eyes:

  • You should have an eye check by an ophthalmologist after 1 year of treatment, and then yearly thereafter.
  • This ensures that any rare side effects on the eyes are detected early.

Rare side effects may include:

  • Skin color changes (darkening or lightening)
  • Skin rashes or allergies (itching, redness)

If you notice any vision changes, skin rash, or skin color changes, stop the medicine and contact your doctor immediately.

Combination with Other Medicines

Hydroxychloroquine can be safely combined with:

  • Methotrexate
  • Sulfasalazine
  • Leflunomide
  • Steroids
  • Biologics

This makes it a common part of combination therapy for arthritis, lupus, and post-viral arthritis.

Key Reminders
  1. Take Hydroxychloroquine daily as prescribed.
  2. Benefits may take 2–3 months to appear.
  3. Eye check by an ophthalmologist after 1 year, and yearly thereafter.
  4. Stop and inform your doctor if you develop vision changes, skin rash, or skin color changes.
  5. Can be safely combined with other arthritis or lupus medicines.
  6. Regular follow-up with your rheumatologist is essential.
Further Information

For more details, see the Australian Rheumatology Association (ARA) patient leaflet on Hydroxychloroquine:

Contact us

© 2025 rheumatology

Design by PrideCC