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Uses

Malaria

Prevention (prophylaxis) of malaria caused by Plasmodium malariae, P. ovale, P. vivax, or susceptible strains of P. falciparum. CDC and others recommend chloroquine for prevention of malaria caused by Plasmodium susceptible to 4-aminoquinoline derivatives; hydroxychloroquine is as effective and may be better tolerated and may be used when chloroquine is unavailable.

Treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by P. malariae, P. ovale, P. vivax, or susceptible strains of P. falciparum.

Active only against the asexual erythrocytic forms of Plasmodium (not exoerythrocytic stages) and cannot prevent delayed primary attacks or relapse of P. ovale or P. vivax malaria or provide a radical cure; primaquine usually also indicated to eradicate hypnozoites and prevent relapse in patients exposed to or being treated for P. ovale or P. vivax malaria.

Detailed recommendations regarding prevention of malaria available from CDC 24 hours a day from the voice information service (877-394-8747), fax information service (888-232-3299), or Internet at http://www.cdc.gov/travel.

Assistance with diagnosis or treatment of malaria available from CDC Malaria Epidemiology Branch by contacting CDC Malaria Hotline at 770-488-7788 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time or CDC Emergency Operation Center at 770-488-7100 after hours, on weekends, and holidays.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in patients whose symptoms progress despite an adequate regimen of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIAs).

One of several disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) that can be used when DMARD therapy is appropriate. If used for prolonged periods in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, the risk of severe and sometimes irreversible toxicity should be considered. (See Cautions.)

Lupus Erythematosus

Treatment of discoid lupus erythematosus and systemic lupus erythematosus. Used as an adjunct to corticosteroids and/or other appropriate therapy.

If used for prolonged periods in treatment of lupus erythematosus, the risk of serious and sometimes irreversible toxicity should be considered. (See Cautions.)

Q Fever

Treatment of Q fever endocarditis† caused by Coxiella burnetii; used in conjunction with doxycycline.

CDC recommends a 2- to 3-week regimen of doxycycline for treatment of acute Q fever, a 1-year regimen of doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine for treatment of acute Q fever in patients with preexisting valvular heart disease (to prevent progression of acute disease to endocarditis), and a 1.5- to 3-year regimen of doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine for treatment of chronic Q fever.

Porphyria Cutanea Tarda and Polymorphous Light Eruptions

Has been used in treatment of porphyria cutanea tarda†. (See Patients with Psoriasis or Porphyria under Cautions.)

Has been effective in some cases when used in the treatment of polymorphous light eruptions†.