Hydroxychloroquine

NHS information about the medicine hydroxychloroquine, including what it's used for, who can use it, how to use it and side effects.

What hydroxychloroquine is for

Hydroxychloroquine is a type of medicine called a DMARD (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug).

DMARDs work by calming your immune system or changing the way it responds. They're used to treat autoimmune conditions, where your body's natural defence system mistakenly attacks healthy parts of your body.

Hydroxychloroquine is mainly used to treat autoimmune conditions that cause inflammation, swelling and pain, such as:

It's also used to treat skin conditions like:

How to take hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine usually comes as tablets that you swallow.

How much you need to take and for how long depends on why you're taking it, but some people may need to take it once or twice a day for at least 6 months.

If you're taking it to treat a skin condition caused by sunlight, you will need to take it when you know you'll spend a lot of time in the sun or be in intense sunlight, even for a short time. For example, during the summer months.

When taking hydroxychloroquine:

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.

Side effects of hydroxychloroquine

Like all medicines, hydroxychloroquine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

Common side effects of hydroxychloroquine include:

Hydroxychloroquine can sometimes cause blurred vision when you first start taking it. If this happens, do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until your vision has gone back to normal.

More about side effects

These are not all the side effects of hydroxychloroquine.

For a full list, see the leaflet that came with your medicine search for your medicine on the electronic medicines compendium website.

You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website.

Who can and cannot take hydroxychloroquine

Most adults can take hydroxychloroquine. Children can take hydroxychloroquine, but they may not be prescribed it if they do not weigh enough.

Hydroxychloroquine is not suitable for some people. For example, it may not be suitable if you have:

Before taking hydroxychloroquine, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and hydroxychloroquine

Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding.

Hydroxychloroquine can often be used while breastfeeding, but it's best to check because the medicine can pass into your breast milk in very small amounts.

If you're taking hydroxychloroquine while breastfeeding, speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if you have any concerns about your baby.

Pregnancy and hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine can be used during pregnancy if needed. Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

If you need to take hydroxychloroquine while you're pregnant, your doctor will prescribe the lowest possible effective dose.

Find out more about taking hydroxychloroquine during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Taking hydroxychloroquine with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with hydroxychloroquine.

This includes some types of:

Speak to a pharmacist or your doctor before taking any other medicines if you've been prescribed hydroxychloroquine.

Before starting hydroxychloroquine, tell your doctor about any other medicines, or any herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements you take.

Food, drink and alcohol with hydroxychloroquine

You can eat and drink normally while taking hydroxychloroquine.

Find out more about your medicine

To find out more about your medicine, you can: