Plaquenil Dosage
Generic name: hydroxychloroquine sulfate 200mg
Dosage form: tablet
Drug classes: Antimalarial quinolines, Antirheumatics
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 5, 2024.
Important Administration Instructions
Administer PLAQUENIL orally with food or milk. Do not crush or divide the tablets.
Dosage for Malaria in Adult and Pediatric Patients
PLAQUENIL is not recommended in pediatric patients less than 31 kg because the lowest available strength (200 mg) exceeds the recommended dose for these patients and it cannot be divided.
Prophylaxis
Treatment must start 2 weeks before travel to an endemic area. Advise the patient to take the prophylaxis dosage once a week, staring 2 weeks prior to travel to the endemic area, on the same day every week, continuing the same weekly dose while in the endemic area, and for 4 weeks after leaving the endemic area. The recommended prophylaxis dosage is:
• Adult patients: 400 mg once a week
• Pediatric patients ≥ 31kg: 6.5 mg/kg actual body weight (up to 400 mg) once a week
Treatment of Uncomplicated Malaria
The dosages for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria are:
• Adult patients: Administer 800 mg initially; subsequently administer 400 mg at 6 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours after the initial dose (total dosage = 2000 mg).
• Pediatric patients ≥ 31 kg: Administer 13 mg/kg (up to 800 mg) initially; subsequently administer 6.5 mg/kg (up to 400 mg) at 6 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours after the initial dose (total dosage = 31 mg/kg - up to 2000 mg).
For radical cure of P. vivax and P. ovale infections, concomitant therapy with an 8-aminoquinoline drug is necessary.
Dosage for Rheumatoid Arthritis in Adults
The recommended dosage is:
• Initial dosage: 400 mg to 600 mg daily as a single daily dose or two divided doses. The action of hydroxychloroquine is cumulative and may require weeks to months for maximum therapeutic effect. Daily doses exceeding 5 mg/kg (actual weight) of hydroxychloroquine sulfate increase the incidence of retinopathy.
• Chronic dosage: 200 mg once daily to 400 mg daily, as a single dose or two divided doses.
Corticosteroids, salicylates, and other antirheumatic agents may be used concomitantly with PLAQUENIL.
Frequently asked questions
- An Update: Is hydroxychloroquine effective for COVID-19?
- Does hydroxychloroquine cause emotional lability?
More about Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (158)
- Side effects
- During pregnancy
- Generic availability
- Support group
- Drug class: antimalarial quinolines
- Breastfeeding
- En español
Patient resources
Professional resources
Other brands
Related treatment guides
See also:
Saphnelo
Saphnelo is used for moderate to severe SLE (lupus) for adults who are also receiving other lupus ...
Humira
Humira is a tumor necrosis factor blocker used to treat many inflammatory conditions in adults ...
Benlysta
Benlysta is used to treat active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and active lupus nephritis. It ...
Enbrel
Enbrel is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriasis. Learn about ...
Remicade
Remicade is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's ...
Arava
Arava (leflunomide) is used to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and help reduce joint ...
Rituxan
Rituxan infusion is used to treat certain leukemias and lymphomas and some non-cancer conditions ...
Orencia
Orencia is a type of biologic that is given by intravenous infusion or subcutaneous injection which ...
Infliximab
Infliximab infusion (brand names Avsola, Inflectra, Remicade, and others) reduces inflammation and ...
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.