Hqtor 200 Mg Tablet (10 Tab)

HQTOR 200 MG TABLET

HQTOR 200 MG TABLET is a medication manufactured by Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

• Name:

  • Brand Name: HQTOR 200 MG TABLET
  • Common Name: Hydroxychloroquine Tablet

• Composition:

  • Each tablet contains Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate 200 mg.

• Uses: HQTOR 200 MG TABLET is prescribed for a variety of medical conditions due to its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Its uses include:

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: To treat acute or chronic rheumatoid arthritis by lowering inflammation and pain in affected joints and inhibiting the production of rheumatoid factor.
  • Systemic and Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): To control the symptoms of this autoimmune disease and decrease the severity of skin lesions.
  • Malaria: Used for the treatment and prevention of malaria, especially in regions where the parasite is resistant to other drugs, by increasing the concentration of a toxic compound in the parasite, leading to its death.
  • Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control, by improving insulin sensitivity and increasing insulin secretion.
  • Dyslipidaemia: To decrease elevated cholesterol levels.
  • Polymorphous Light Eruption: For skin rashes caused by sun exposure.

• Dosage and Administration:

  • Take HQTOR 200 MG TABLET exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
  • It should be swallowed whole with a glass of water, preferably with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.
  • Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet, as this may affect the way the medication is absorbed.
  • Your doctor will determine the dose and duration based on the severity of your symptoms and clinical condition.
  • For malaria prevention, it may be started 1-2 weeks before travel and continued for 4 weeks after returning.

• Side Effects: Common side effects may include:

  • Blurred vision, visual disturbances, or changes in color recognition.
  • Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhoea.
  • Headache and dizziness.
  • Mood changes, skin rashes, itching, sensitivity to light, and pigmentation disorders.

  Serious side effects, though rare, can include:

  • Severe vision problems or retinal damage, especially with long-term use. Regular eye examinations are recommended.
  • Abnormal or irregular heartbeats, including QT prolongation, ventricular arrhythmias, and torsades de pointes.
  • Sudden severe fall in blood glucose (hypoglycemia).
  • Hearing problems like ringing in the ears or reduced hearing.
  • Muscle weakness, spasms, or cramps.
  • Severe allergic reactions (skin rash, swelling of lips, face, throat, or tongue, breathing problems).
  • Liver toxicity, including fulminant hepatic failure.

• Precautions:

  • Inform your doctor if you are allergic to hydroxychloroquine or any 4-aminoquinoline compounds.
  • Before starting treatment, discuss your medical history with your doctor, especially if you have liver, kidney, or heart diseases, gastrointestinal problems, blood disorders, neurological disorders, porphyria, psoriasis, or pre-existing retinopathy.
  • Regular eye examinations are crucial during long-term treatment to monitor for potential retinal damage.
  • Monitoring of blood glucose is recommended for diabetic patients due to the risk of hypoglycemia.
  • An ECG may be conducted before and during treatment, especially if you have existing heart conditions.
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before taking this medicine, as it may be excreted into breast milk and can interfere with the vision, hearing, and balance of the fetus if taken in high doses.
  • HQTOR 200 MG TABLET may cause blurred vision; therefore, avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience visual disturbances.
  • Avoid alcohol consumption during treatment.
  • Inform your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking, as HQTOR may interact with certain drugs, including antiepileptic drugs, antimalarials, cimetidine, cyclosporine, digoxin, drugs that prolong the QRS/QT interval, insulin, mefloquine, neostigmine, praziquantel, pyridostigmine, tamoxifen, and certain vaccines.
  • Do not discontinue the medication abruptly without consulting your doctor.
  • Keep out of the sight and reach of children, as accidental ingestion of even a small amount can cause serious side effects.

• Storage:

  • Store HQTOR 200 MG TABLET in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat.
  • Typically, store below 25°C or below 30°C.
  • Discard unused or expired medicine properly.

What is HQTOR 200 MG Tablet used for?

HQTOR 200 MG Tablet contains Hydroxychloroquine, which is primarily used to treat autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and discoid lupus erythematosus. It is also prescribed to prevent and treat malaria. Additionally, it may be used in the management of Type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia (abnormally elevated cholesterol levels), and polymorphous light eruption (a rash caused by sun exposure).

How does HQTOR 200 MG Tablet work?

HQTOR 200 MG Tablet (Hydroxychloroquine) works differently depending on the condition it's treating. In autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, it acts as an immunomodulator, calming the overactive immune system by interfering with certain cellular processes, such as lysosomal activity and antigen processing, which reduces inflammation and immune response. For malaria, it works by accumulating in the malaria parasite and increasing the concentration of a toxic compound, leading to the parasite's death. In diabetes, it is thought to improve insulin sensitivity and increase insulin secretion.

What is the usual dosage of HQTOR 200 MG Tablet?

For autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, the typical adult dosage ranges from 200 mg to 400 mg per day. This can be taken as a single daily dose or divided into two doses. It's often recommended to take the tablets with food or milk to reduce stomach upset. The maximum daily dose for these conditions is generally 6.5 mg per kilogram of body weight, not exceeding 400 mg per day for systemic lupus erythematosus. Dosages for malaria prevention or treatment vary significantly and are determined by your doctor. For children, the dose is calculated based on their body weight.

What are the possible side effects of HQTOR 200 MG Tablet?

Common side effects can include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, skin rashes, itching, hair loss, and sensitivity to light. More serious, though rare, side effects that require immediate medical attention include:

• Eye problems: Changes in vision, blurred vision, difficulty distinguishing colors, sensitivity to light, or other signs of retinal toxicity.
• Heart problems: Fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat, dizziness, or feeling faint.
• Neurological issues: Muscle weakness, cramps, stiffness, agitation, irritability, or suicidal thoughts.
• Blood disorders: Frequent infections, high temperature, sore throat, mouth ulcers, or easy bruising.
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): Sweating, shakiness, anxiety, confusion.
• Severe skin reactions: Fever, flu-like symptoms with a red or purple rash that may blister or peel.

Is HQTOR 200 MG Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy: Hydroxychloroquine is generally considered safe and can be continued during pregnancy. Untreated inflammatory conditions like lupus can pose risks to the baby, such as premature birth or growth problems. Studies indicate that hydroxychloroquine does not increase the risk of major birth defects or cause retinal harm to the child. It may even help reduce the risk of certain heart problems in babies of mothers with lupus. Breastfeeding: Hydroxychloroquine is considered safe to take while breastfeeding. Only small amounts pass into breast milk, and studies have not shown harmful effects on breastfed infants, including no issues with vision, hearing, or growth.

Can HQTOR 200 MG Tablet be taken with other medications?

HQTOR 200 MG Tablet (Hydroxychloroquine) can interact with other medications. It is crucial to inform your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.

• Caution is advised with:
  • Medications that affect heart rhythm (e.g., certain antibiotics, antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics, antidepressants) due to an increased risk of heart rhythm problems.
  • Diabetes medications, as hydroxychloroquine can also lower blood sugar, potentially leading to hypoglycemia.
  • Medications that increase seizure risk or anti-seizure medications, as hydroxychloroquine may lower the seizure threshold.
  • Digoxin, as it may increase digoxin levels in the body.
  • Cimetidine, which can increase hydroxychloroquine levels.
  • Methotrexate, as concomitant use can increase methotrexate toxicity.
• Timing adjustments are needed for:
  • Antacids and kaolin: Take them at least 4 hours before or 4 hours after taking hydroxychloroquine.
• Certain medications like dronedarone, pimozide, and thioridazine should generally not be taken with hydroxychloroquine.

What precautions should be taken while on HQTOR 200 MG Tablet?

• Eye Exams: Regular eye examinations by an ophthalmologist are very important, especially with long-term use, to monitor for rare but potentially irreversible retinal damage.
• Medical Monitoring: Your doctor will likely schedule regular check-ups, including blood tests and electrocardiograms (EKG) to monitor heart function.
• Pre-existing Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have a history of diabetes, heart problems (especially irregular heart rhythm or QT prolongation), kidney or liver disease, G6PD deficiency, porphyria, psoriasis, or any unusual allergies.
• Alcohol: Discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor, as misuse can affect how the medicine works.
• Sun Sensitivity: This medication can increase sensitivity to the sun; use sun protection.
• Children: Keep this medicine strictly out of the reach of children, as accidental ingestion of even a few tablets can be fatal.
• Driving/Operating Machinery: If you experience blurred vision, dizziness, or other visual disturbances, avoid driving or operating machinery.

What happens if a dose of HQTOR 200 MG Tablet is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should HQTOR 200 MG Tablet be stored?

Store HQTOR 200 MG Tablet in its original packaging in a closed container at room temperature (typically below 25°C or up to 30°C), away from excess heat, moisture, and direct light. It should be kept from freezing. Always ensure the medicine is stored out of the sight and reach of children. Dispose of any unneeded or expired medication safely, ideally through a medicine take-back program.