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Plaquenil
Pronounced: PLAK-en-ill
Generic name: Hydroxychloroquine sulfate
Plaquenil is prescribed for the prevention and treatment of certain forms of malaria. Plaquenil is also used to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis such as swelling, inflammation, stiffness, and joint pain. It is also prescribed for lupus erythematosus, a chronic inflammation of the connective tissue.
ADULTS
Restraint or Prevention of Malaria
The usual dose is 400 milligrams taken once every 7 days on exactly the same day of each week. If circumstances permit, preventive therapy should begin 2 weeks prior to exposure. If this is not possible, your doctor will have you take a starting dose of 800 milligrams, which may be divided into 2 doses taken 6 hours apart. You should continue this suppressive therapy for 8 weeks after leaving the area where malaria occurs.
Acute Attack of Malaria
The usual starting dose is 800 milligrams, to be followed by 400 milligrams in 6 to 8 hours and 400 milligrams on each of 2 consecutive days.
Alternatively, your doctor may prescribe a single dose of 800 milligrams.
Lupus Erythematosus
The usual starting dose for adults is 400 milligrams once or twice daily. You will continue to take this dose for several weeks or months, depending on your response. For longer-term maintenance therapy, your doctor may reduce the dose to 200 to 400 milligrams per day.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
The usual starting dose for adults is 400 to 600 milligrams a day taken with a meal or a glass of milk. If your condition improves, usually within 4 to 12 weeks, your doctor will reduce the dose to a maintenance level of 200 to 400 milligrams daily.
CHILDREN
For the treatment of malaria, your doctor will calculate the dosage on the basis of your child's weight.
This drug has not been proved safe for treatment of juvenile arthritis. |
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