Hydroxychloroquine sulfate is a medicine that is generally used for treating autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and malaria. There are several benefits of this medicine, but it has certain side effects too. Thus, the patients must take this medicine under medical supervision.
In this blog, we will help you understand the meaning of hydroxychloroquine sulfate, the long-term and short-term hydroxychloroquine sulfate side effects, precautions, and alternative medicines for hydroxychloroquine medicines.
Table of Contents
Definition of Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate
Hydroxychloroquine sulfate is an oral drug that can be categorized into antimalarial medicines. These medicines are developed to treat and prevent malaria, but nowadays, it is also been used as a drug to prevent autoimmune disease. It makes the immune system strong and helps to reduce inflammation and reduce the symptoms of chronic conditions. Though it is very effective, patients must use this medicine carefully.
Common hydroxychloroquine sulfate side effects
Some side effects of hydroxychloroquine sulfate are normal and manageable, but some may require medical care. The ones that require medical care are as follows:
1. Gastrointestinal Issues
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are some of the symptoms that the patient might go through after consuming hydroxychloroquine sulfate medicine. Thus, it is advised to take this medicine while having food to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.
2. Headaches and Dizziness
Many patients suffer from mild headaches or dizziness, especially after the medication. One must stay hydrated to avoid the same.
3. Skin Reactions
Rash, itching, and pigmentation changes (darkening or lightening of skin color) are some of the symptoms accompanied by fever. Therefore, visiting the doctor is the best solution to reduce skin reactions or fever.
4. Muscle Weakness
Some patients might experience muscle pain or weakness. They can quickly visit the doctor to get a remedy for this side effect.
Serious hydroxychloroquine Sulfate side effects
The above-mentioned ones are some of the mild side effects of this medicine. These side effects will level up and become severe if the patients don’t take care of themselves.
1. Eye Problems
Hydroxychloroquine sulfate can affect the patient’s retina, and eventually, he might have vision problems. Some of the symptoms of retinopathy are blurred vision, difficulty in focusing, and color changes. Regular eye checkups should be done to eradicate or prevent retinopathy.
2. Heart Issues
This disease can disturb the patient’s heart rhythm, which is known as prolongation. Other symptoms of a weak heart are as follows:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Chest Pain
- Fainting
- Hearing Loss
Tinnitus is a hearing disease caused by hydroxychloroquine sulfate. When you feel any changes while hearing, report it to your doctor before it is too late.
3. Mental Health Effects
Hydroxychloroquine can also make a patient suffer from anxiety or depression in rare cases. It is recommended to visit a therapist in such conditions if these symptoms worsen.
Precautions to reduce risks
The below mentioned are some of the precautions that patients can take to reduce the chances or prevent themselves from hydroxychloroquine sulfate side effects.
- Visit your doctor: It is important to take medications as prescribed by your doctors. They give the doses according to your previous medical records.
- Strictly follow your dosage: Do not take medicine more than they are prescribed, as this might increase the risks of side effects.
- Keep your health in check: Observe your breathing patterns or heart rhythm. If you find issues in any one of them, consult the doctor.
- Intake of Medicines with Food: To avoid gas issues or stomach discomfort, take the prescribed medicines with meals.
Alternatives to Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate
After having one or two doses of hydroxychloroquine sulfate, some patients will not be able to tolerate this medicine. Thus, researchers and doctors have made alternatives to this medicine too. Some of them are mentioned below:
- Other Antimalarials: Drugs like chloroquine can be a replacment of hydroxychloroquine. This should be taken under the doctor’s guidance.
- Biologics: Therapeutic proteins such as methotrexate or newer immune-modifying agents can be taken by patients to cure autoimmune diseases.
- Lifestyle changes: Medicines do help patients from suffering from mild or severe side effects, but having a healthy diet and practicing exercise can help the patients stay happy and healthy.
These alternatives can be discussed with doctors before practicing them to be on the safer side.
When Should One Visit a Doctor?
Visiting the doctor is essential for mild and severe side effects, but the below-mentioned symptoms should not be ignored as they can be life-taking.
- Blurry Vision
- Constantly feeling dizzy
- Not able to breathe or feeling choked
- Swollen lips, face, or tongue happen due to allergic reactions
- Severe mood changes or suicidal thoughts
Never ignore these signs, as they lead to serious health complications.
Unveiling the Versatile Uses of Hydroxychloroquine: A Comprehensive Guide
Final thoughts
We hope you have understood about hydroxychloroquine sulfate side effects through this blog. The medicines taken while suffering from any autoimmune disease should be consulted with the doctor. Remember to go for regular checkups to reduce the side effects if you are suffering from any of the mentioned symptoms in the blog. Having open communication with your doctors and making correct decisions can lower the risks of hydroxychloroquine sulfate side effects. One can make maximum use of hydroxychloroquine sulfate medicine as they have the power to heal your disease if taken correctly.
