Name: Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)
Class: Slow-Acting Antirheumatic Agent (Anti-Malarial Agent)
Mechanism: Unknown. Inhib. nucleic acid synth, stabilizes lysosomal membranes, traps free radicals.
Absorption:
Dist.:
Metabolism.:
Excretion, t½:
Toxicity/S.E.s: GI upset, pruritis, headaches, visual disturbances, discoloration of nail beds and mucous membranes.
Utility: Treat rheumatoid arthritis that has been unresponsive to NSAIDs. Also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis in conjunction w/an NSAID (allows use of lower dose of hydroxychloroquine).
Special Features: