HCQS 200 Mg (Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate)

What Is HCQS 200 Mg?

HCQS 200 mg is a prescription medicine which is given to treat certain autoimmune conditions and malaria. The generic element present in this medicine is Hydroxychloroquine sulphate. The drug class to which this pill belongs is antimalarial/ disease modifying antirheumatic drug or DMARD.

The autoimmune conditions in which this medicine is given are:

• Rheumatoid arthritis where it primarily helps to control swelling, and joint inflammation.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus where it helps to reduce skin flareups, skin rashes and gets rid of joint fatigue.

Along with this it is also given as a form of adjunct remedy for control of type-2 diabetes. In this case it helps improve insulin effectivity and control blood sugar. The brand HCQS is managed, and its original manufacturer is a pharmaceutical research firm from India, Ipca Laboratories Ltd. The pills are film-coated and off-white in colour.

What Is HCQS 200 mg Used For?

1. Malaria Prevention and Treatment

HCQS 200 mg is given to treat different types of malaria caused by a parasite known as plasmodium.

➤ Malaria Prophylaxis

In such cases it is used for prophylaxis or preventing malaria. The target strains are checked to ensure they are sensitive to Hydroxychloroquine.

➤ Uncomplicated Malaria

It treats severe attacks of uncomplicated malarial issues, but where the strain is highly sensitive.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

In this disorder the immune cells in your body will start to attack the tissues and cells of the joint causing pain and swelling. As a type of DMARD medicine it does not only helps to get rid of pain but also prevent ongoing and irreversible damage to bones and joint cartilage.

The medicine works to reduce the effects of a protein known as cytokines to reduce the overwork of the immune cells which helps to control the symptoms of RA.

3. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

In this condition the immune cells attack health cells of the organs and blood vessels. Using HCQS 200 mg helps to reduce flares, skin rashes, joint pain, fatigue. As per studies even in this case the medicine works to reduce the production of certain proteins in the immune cells.

The benefit to patients is that they will see reduction of flareups on skin and tissues and prevent the vital organs from tissue damage in the long run.

Other Off-Label Uses

• Sjogren syndrome: On an off-label basis the medicine is useful to controls severe joint pain and fatigue due to dryness causing autoimmune disease.
• Antiphospholipid syndrome: In this autoimmune condition there is an abnormal protein found in blood known as antiphospholipid bodies which increases the risk of blood clots. Doctors recommend use of HCQS to stop the underlying immune cell mechanism to stop synthesis of antiphospholipid protein.

How Does HCQS 200 mg Tablet Work?

➤ Changes cellular acidity levels

It works inside lysosomes and enters the weak acidic compartments to increase their pH levels. This change stops production of enzymes needed for cellular recycling and antigen processing.

➤ Blocks toll like-receptors

HCQS inhibits cellular warning systems which are called the toll-like receptors TLR-7 and TLR-9. This binding to receptors reduces production of proteins that cause inflammation like interferon alpha and other cytokines.

➤ Inhibits Autophagy

it blocks the process of cell recycling also known as autophagy. It blocks the most critical step of the recycling pathway.

➤ Anti-Inflammatory & Immunomodulatory Effects

In case of anti-inflammatory action, it works on cytokine suppression like TNF- alpha which causes joint erosion. For immunomodulatory effects, the medicine changes the way immune cells detect foreign body particles and body’s own cells.

Antimalarial Effect:

HCQS attacks the plasmodium parasite during the asexual erythrocytic phase feeding inside the RBCs.

Onset:

• RA/SLE — The effects start to occur slowly, and initial changes may take 4–6 weeks to months for full benefit.
• Malaria — in case of malaria you get symptom relief within the first 2 days of taking the medicine.

How to Take HCQS 200mg

Method of use:

• Take the tablet whole entirely with water. Avoid breaking or crushing during intake.
• Take at the same time each day as it helps to fully activate the medicine in your body.

With or without food:

if you go on and take this medicine before having food it is likely going to end up having side effects like nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. the best way is to have light meal always before taking this medicine.

For Malaria Prophylaxis:

In case of malaria, you have to take the initial dose but the follow up doses are given at specific time intervals. It is important to follow the course schedule and use your pill at the designated time only.

HCQS 200 mg Dosage Guide

➦ Dosage For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Initial dose: 400–600 mg/day given by the doctors after diagnosing the severity and overall health status for a few days.

Maintenance: A dose of 200–400 mg/day depending on initial improvement and adjustability.

➦ Dosage for Lupus (SLE)

For SLE the typical dosage among adults is a dose of 200–400 mg/day split between 1 to 2 doses.

➦ Dosage for Malaria Prevention

In case you are traveling to a malarial prone region doctors may recommend a dose of 400 mg once weekly. You may have to start your dose at least 2 weeks before travel.

➦ Dosage for Malaria Treatment

Doctors initially recommend a dose of 800 mg and then tell you to use subsequent smaller doses like 400 mg taken at specific intervals like 6 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours after the initial dose.

Missed Dose

In case you forget taking your dose take it if you remember within 6 to 7 hours of the original time. However, if it is past that you have to skip the dose entirely. For your next dose you must not double up to make up for the missed dose.

Overdose

Remember that in case of an overdose of Hydroxychloroquine in your body things can go from bad to worse really fast. It is essential to take immediate help from doctors in such cases.

Fact Box

Action Class	Non-Biologic DMARDs (Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatoid Drugs)
Chemical Class	4- aminoquinolines
Habit Forming	No
Therapeutic Class	ANTI MALARIALS

Side Effects of HCQS 200 Mg (Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate)

Common Side Effects

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Nausea, vomiting

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A patient is prone to these side effects particularly on taking the medicine before a meal. Always have a light meal first.

Diarrhea

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usually occurs to patients who have tendency of diarrhea or low digestive capability. It is better to mention about this to the doctors first.

Stomach cramps

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Occurs usually when you take the medicine hours before having any food or typically after a heavy meal.

Headache, dizziness

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These are general side effects and to contain them you should generally take rest during this period.

Loss of appetite

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if you notice sudden changes in appetite especially if your appetite is much less now, inform it to the doctors.

Serious Side Effects

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Vision changes / retinal toxicity

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If you notice signs of blur vision, vision sensitivity to light or see halos and blind spots consult with a doctor immediately.

Muscle weakness / cardiomyopathy

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Having sudden muscle cramps or even frequent chest pain is a severe side effect which you need to share with the doctors immediately.

Severe skin reactions

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An allergic rash spread on your skin within minutes of taking the medicine. this unwanted side effect has to be informed to the doctors right away as you stop taking the medicines any further.

Low blood sugar

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This is a typical side effect of overdose, reducing your dose should help it get away.

Hearing changes / tinnitus

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Stop taking the medicine if you notice changes in hearing abilities.

Irregular heartbeat

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In case you have irregular heartbeat already, inform it to the doctors. If it occurs after taking the medicine stop using it and refer to your chemist.

Warnings and Precautions for HCQS 200 mg

1. Eye/Retinal Toxicity

At a dose of more than 5 mg per kg of bodyweight Hydroxychloroquine can cause damage to the retina gradually with time. In case you already have vision disorders mention it to the doctors. you may have to go through regular eye and vision tests when taking this medicine.

2. Cardiac Risk

There is a risk of having irregular heartbeat when taking this medicine. You should mention the doctors if you are already using PT-prolonging medicines.

Cardiomyopathy or frequent chest pain is a rare side effect usually occurring with long-term use.

3. Liver & Kidney Issues

In case of liver and kidney disorders like hepatic impairment, cirrhosis, renal infections, or kidney failure dosage adjustment is needed.

4. G6PD Deficiency

If your body is deficient in G6PD enzymes it can lead to anaemia. Doctors will test the levels of this enzyme in your body before recommending a regular dose.

5. Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

It is generally safe to use HCQS 200 mg medicine in case of RA or SLE disorders and category D malarial disorders. However, it is better to mention the doctors if you are pregnant already or trying for pregnancy. Doctors may adjust the dose suitably in such cases.

Remember that the drug HCQS 200 mg passes into breast milk in small amounts and so it is better not to take the medicine during the entire tenure when your child is completely dependent on your breastmilk.

6. Children

In children, dosage of HCQS 200 mg can easily cause an overdose resulting in severe side effects. in children the doctors have to adjust the dose based on the conditions and the age of the child.

Drug Interactions with HCQS 200 mg

Can I Take HCQS 200 mg with Other Medicines?

• Digoxin: Pharmacokinetics of both Digoxin and HCQS can lead to toxicity of the latter in your body.
• Insulin and other diabetic medicines: Avoid such other medicines for diabetes as with HCQS 200 mg it severely increases the risk of hypoglycemia.
• Antiepileptic medicines: clinical studies show that HCQS typically reduces the effects of such medicines like phenytoin, and Carbamazepine.
• Tamoxifen: combining it with HCQS 200 mg increases the risk of retinal damage.
• Cyclosporine: HCQS systematically reducing the normal metabolic rate of the drug which can cause toxicity.

Does HCQS 200 mg Interact with Antacids?

Antacids especially those that have a composition of aluminium/magnesium salts in them reduce absorption of HCQS in your body. Take such medicines with a time gap of minimum 4 hours.

Can I Take HCQS 200 mg with Methotrexate?

Yes, HCQS 200 mg can be used in case of RA even if the patient is using Methotrexate. However, the doctors can conduct frequent liver tests.

Does HCQS 200 mg Interact with Diabetes Medicine?

Combining the medicine with any other kind of diabetic medicines causes a straight interaction causing hypoglycemia.

QT-Prolonging Drugs

Avoid azithromycin, amiodarone, fluoroquinolones as combining it increases QT-prolongation.

Food and Alcohol Interactions

Can I Take HCQS 200 mg with Food?

Yes, you can have a light meal before taking the medicine. However, avoid taking any kind of dairy items before taking the medicine as it is a major risk for having GI side effects like-

• Bloating
• Vomiting
• Indigestion
• Stomach cramps

Can I Drink Alcohol with HCQS 200 mg?

Alcohol is not strictly contraindicated as can worsen Gastric upset. Long term use can also lead to severe liver strain. It is better to limit alcohol intake.

Grapefruit?

Clinical studies have not shown any type of interaction between Hydroxychloroquine and grape juice.

How to Store HCQS 200 mg

Ideally your room temperature should not be very hot more than 30 degrees Celsius. The best temperature range for long-term storage of HCQS 200 mg is 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. Putting the medicines in a fridge is also not suitable due to extremely low temperatures.

Avoid humid areas of your house such as the kitchen and the bathroom as too much moisture can easily turn the pills soggy and wet.