HQ-Star (Hydroxychloroquine [HCQ] 400mg)

HQ-Star 400 mg Tablet, containing Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate 400 mg, is a prescription antimalarial and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) by Leeford Healthcare Ltd. Available in strips of 10 tablets, it treats malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in adults. Requires a prescription due to risks of retinal damage, heart rhythm issues, and severe hypoglycemia.

Uses

• Treats and prevents malaria in chloroquine-sensitive regions (e.g., Plasmodium vivax, P. malariae)

• Manages rheumatoid arthritis (reduces joint pain, swelling, stiffness)

• Treats systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE)

• Off-label: Improves glycemic control in type 2 diabetes (adjunctive), manages other autoimmune conditions

Side Effects

• Common: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, blurred vision, rash

• Rare: Mood changes, itching, hair loss, skin pigmentation

• Serious: Retinal toxicity (vision loss), QT prolongation (irregular heartbeat), severe hypoglycemia, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, liver/kidney damage, suicidal ideation

Seek emergency help for vision changes, irregular heartbeat, or severe rash. Consult a doctor for persistent side effects.

How to Use HQ-Star 400 mg

• Dosage:

  • Malaria prevention: Adults: 400 mg weekly, starting 2 weeks before travel, continuing 4 weeks after. Children ≥62 kg: 400 mg weekly.

  • Malaria treatment: Adults: 800 mg initially, then 400 mg at 6, 24, 48 hours (total 2000 mg). Children ≥62 kg: Same as adults.

  • Rheumatoid arthritis/SLE: Adults: 400 mg daily or 200 mg twice daily (≤5 mg/kg actual body weight).

• Administration: Swallow whole with food/milk to reduce stomach upset. Avoid antacids within 4 hours.

• Missed Dose: Take as soon as remembered unless near next dose; do not double dose.

• Overdose: Seek urgent help for irregular heartbeat, seizures, or vision changes. Call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222).

How Tablet Works

Hydroxychloroquine raises lysosomal pH, disrupting parasite hemoglobin digestion in malaria and reducing immune overactivity in autoimmune diseases. It inhibits inflammatory cytokines, alleviating joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis and skin lesions in SLE. May enhance insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes. Half-life ~40 days; effects may take 8–12 weeks.

Safety Advice

• Allergies: Avoid if allergic to Hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, or quinolones.

• Health Conditions: Contraindicated in retinal/macula disease, long QT syndrome, or pediatric patients <62 kg (400 mg tablet indivisible). Caution in diabetes, heart, liver, kidney, or G6PD deficiency.

• Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Safe in pregnancy with low fetal risk; minimal breast milk excretion. Consult doctor.

• Driving: Avoid if vision blurred or dizzy.

• Alcohol: Avoid; may worsen liver or hypoglycemia risks.

• Storage: Store at 20–25°C, away from moisture, light, and children.