Hydroxychloroquine | Drug Overview & Clinical Reference
Hydroxychloroquine
Clinical safety rating: safe
Human studies have proved safety
How it works
Mechanism information is still being processed. Check the DailyMed link in the sidebar for the official prescribing information.
Dosing & administration
Dosing varies by indication and patient profile. Always follow your institution's current prescribing guidelines.
Renal impairment
Consult protocols for adjustment.
Liver impairment
Consult protocols for adjustment.
Use during pregnancy
1st trimester
Safe. Continue in SLE patients — discontinuation increases flare risk.
2nd trimester
Safe.
3rd trimester
Safe.
Clinical note
Safe and recommended to continue throughout pregnancy in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other rheumatological conditions. Discontinuation of hydroxychloroquine in SLE during pregnancy leads to disease flares, which carry significant fetal risk. Long-term safety data in lupus pregnancies (PROMISSE study and others) is reassuring. Crosses the placenta but no structural teratogenicity demonstrated. Protects against SLE-related pregnancy complications including preeclampsia and preterm birth.
Breastfeeding
Safe. Excreted in breast milk at low levels; no adverse effects in exposed infants documented in available data.
