Hydroxychloroquine Dose Calculator
Calculate safe hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) dosage for autoimmune conditions with retinal toxicity assessment
Calculate Hydroxychloroquine Dosage
Weight required for maximum safe dose calculation
Long-term treatment for autoimmune lupus
Enter current dose to assess safety and calculate dose per kg
Critical Medical Warning
Hydroxychloroquine requires careful dosing to prevent serious retinal toxicity and cardiac complications. This calculator provides guidance only and cannot replace professional medical supervision. Regular ophthalmologic monitoring is required for all patients on long-term therapy.
Monitoring Requirements
Ophthalmologic Monitoring
Baseline: Complete eye exam before starting treatment
Follow-up: Annual eye exams for all patients
High-risk patients: More frequent monitoring if dose >5mg/kg
Tests: Visual acuity, visual fields, fundoscopy, OCT
Cardiac Monitoring
Baseline ECG for patients with cardiac risk factors
Monitor for QT prolongation and arrhythmias
Avoid in patients with known long QT syndrome
Common Side Effects
Retinal Toxicity
Most serious concern
Requires regular monitoring
Cardiac Effects
QT prolongation, arrhythmias
Monitor ECG
GI Effects
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Take with food
Important Interactions
QT-prolonging drugs: Increased cardiac risk
Antacids: Reduce absorption
Digoxin: Increased digoxin levels
Methotrexate: Enhanced toxicity
Always check for interactions
Understanding Hydroxychloroquine Dosing
What is Hydroxychloroquine?
Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is an antimalarial medication that also has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. It works by interfering with cellular processes in both parasites and immune cells, making it useful for treating autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Clinical Applications
- •Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Disease control and flare prevention
- •Rheumatoid Arthritis: DMARD therapy
- •Malaria: Treatment and prophylaxis (where effective)
Dosing Guidelines
Key Safety Limits:
- • Maximum safe dose: 5 mg/kg/day
- • Standard autoimmune dose: 200-400mg daily
- • Malaria treatment: up to 5 mg/kg daily
- • Malaria prophylaxis: 400mg weekly
Critical: Doses exceeding 5 mg/kg/day significantly increase the risk of irreversible retinal toxicity. Regular ophthalmologic monitoring is essential for all patients on long-term therapy, regardless of dose.