MedPath

Hydroxychloroquine

Generic Name
Hydroxychloroquine
Brand Names
Plaquenil, Sovuna
Drug Type
Small Molecule
Chemical Formula
C18H26ClN3O
CAS Number
118-42-3
Unique Ingredient Identifier
4QWG6N8QKH

Overview

Hydroxychloroquine is a racemic mixture consisting of an R and S enantiomer. Hydroxychloroquine is an aminoquinoline like chloroquine. It is a commonly prescribed medication in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic discoid lupus erythematosus, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Hydroxychloroquine is also used for the prophylaxis of malaria in regions where chloroquine resistance is unlikely. It was developed during World War II as a derivative of quinacrine with less severe side effects. Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are both being investigated for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2. The FDA emergency use authorization for hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine in the treatment of COVID-19 was revoked on 15 June 2020. Hydroxychloroquine was granted FDA approval on 18 April 1955. A recent study reported a fatality in the group being treated with hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19.

Background

Hydroxychloroquine is a racemic mixture consisting of an R and S enantiomer. Hydroxychloroquine is an aminoquinoline like chloroquine. It is a commonly prescribed medication in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic discoid lupus erythematosus, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Hydroxychloroquine is also used for the prophylaxis of malaria in regions where chloroquine resistance is unlikely. It was developed during World War II as a derivative of quinacrine with less severe side effects. Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are both being investigated for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2. The FDA emergency use authorization for hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine in the treatment of COVID-19 was revoked on 15 June 2020. Hydroxychloroquine was granted FDA approval on 18 April 1955. A recent study reported a fatality in the group being treated with hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19.

Indication

Hydroxychloroquine is indicated for the prophylaxis of malaria where chloroquine resistance is not reported, treatment of uncomplicated malaria (caused by P. falciparum, P. malariae, P. ovale, or P. vivax), chronic discoid lupus erythematosus, systemic lupus erythematosus, acute rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic rheumatoid arthritis.

Associated Conditions

  • Acute Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Malaria
  • Porphyria Cutanea Tarda
  • Q Fever
  • Sjogren's Syndrome (SS)
  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
  • Uncomplicated Malaria caused by Plasmodium Vivax
  • Uncomplicated Malaria caused by Plasmodium malariae
  • Uncomplicated Malaria caused by Plasmodium ovale
  • Chronic Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE)
  • Chronic Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Uncomplicated Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum

FDA Approved Products

Plaquenil
Manufacturer:Proficient Rx LP
Route:ORAL
Strength:200 mg in 1 1
Approved: 2020/04/01
NDC:71205-448
Hydroxychloroquine sulfate
Manufacturer:NuCare Pharmaceuticals,Inc.
Route:ORAL
Strength:200 mg in 1 1
Approved: 2021/01/14
NDC:68071-2332
HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE SULFATE
Manufacturer:Creekwood Pharmaceuticals LLC
Route:ORAL
Strength:200 mg in 1 1
Approved: 2025/05/03
NDC:82619-131
Hydroxychloroquine sulfate
Manufacturer:A-S Medication Solutions
Route:ORAL
Strength:200 mg in 1 1
Approved: 2023/08/26
NDC:50090-5573
Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate
Manufacturer:Accord Healthcare, Inc.,
Route:ORAL
Strength:300 mg in 1 1
Approved: 2023/03/15
NDC:16729-562

Singapore Approved Products

No Singapore products found for this drug

Drug Development Updates

Stay informed with timely notifications on clinical trials and research advancements.

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath