Hydroxychloroquine

Brand: HCQ / Plaquenil

Antimalarial 4-aminoquinoline derivative

Chemistry

Molecular Formula	C18H26ClN3O
PubChem	CID: 3652 Open in PubChem

Structure

Half-life	45 days
Clearance Route	mixed
Active Metabolites	Desethylhydroxychloroquine, desethylchloroquine
Notes	Very long terminal half-life (up to 45 days). Risk of retinal toxicity with long-term use; avoid overdose.

Severity: Moderate

Adverse Effects:
Retinopathy, QT prolongation, hypoglycemia, GI upset, rash, pruritus, dizziness.

Contraindications:
Pre-existing retinopathy, G6PD deficiency relative contraindication, QT prolongation syndromes.

Precautions:
Baseline and periodic eye exam; caution with other QT-prolonging drugs; adjust dose in renal impairment.