It is important to be aware of any potential drug interactions when taking hydroxychloroquine. In general, patients should not take the following supplements and medications alongside hydroxychloroquine: antacids containing aluminum, cimetidine, cisapride, certain herbs such as ginger, garlic, red yeast rice, St.
John’s wort, valerian and centella, modafinil (Provigil or Modavigil), certain diabetic medications such as glipizide, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen and ibuprofen.
In addition, patients taking hydroxychloroquine should not mix it with other medications such as anticoagulants, glucocorticoids, mefloquine, dapsone, and penicillamine. It is also important to check with your healthcare provider if any other medications or supplements you are taking could interact with hydroxychloroquine.
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What are precautions for hydroxychloroquine?
When taking hydroxychloroquine, it is important to take the medication as prescribed. Certain precautions should be taken, including the following:
1. Do not exceed the prescribed dosage of hydroxychloroquine and be sure to take it on the same day each week.
2. Have regular eye exams while using hydroxychloroquine as it can cause damage to the eyes.
3. Tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, liver or kidney disease, or a history of alcoholism.
4. Tell your doctor about any medications you take, including supplements, as hydroxychloroquine may interfere with their effectiveness.
5. Do not drink alcohol or use any alcohol-containing medications while taking hydroxychloroquine.
6. Wear sunscreen and a hat outdoors when taking hydroxychloroquine as it can increase your sensitivity to the sun and cause a rash or other skin reactions.
7. Do not take hydroxychloroquine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
8. Keep hydroxychloroquine out of the reach of children and away from pets.
What is the major toxic effect of hydroxychloroquine?
The major toxic effect of hydroxychloroquine is primarily seen in the eyes, resulting in possible vision loss. Other toxic effects may include skin rash, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, convulsions, and an irregular heartbeat.
Long-term use of hydroxychloroquine may increase the risk of macular toxicity, which is an eye condition characterized by difficulty with reading, poor color vision, and reduced sharpness in vision. Macular toxicity can lead to significant vision interference and permanent vision damage, including blindness.
Other known side effects of long-term hydroxychloroquine use include liver and kidney toxicity, muscle weakness, and increased risk of infection. It is important to speak with your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of hydroxychloroquine before use.
Should I take hydroxychloroquine at night or in the morning?
The best time to take hydroxychloroquine depends on the individual, their health needs, and their medical history. Generally, it is recommended to take hydroxychloroquine once a day with a meal or snack, preferably in the evening.
This is because it is most effective when taken when the stomach is most likely to be empty. It is important to follow the instructions of your healthcare provider when taking hydroxychloroquine, as different dosages and frequencies may vary for different individuals.
It is also important to note that hydroxychloroquine should be taken with food or milk to avoid nausea. Taking hydroxychloroquine at night may promote better sleep, but if your health provider or pharmacist recommends taking it in the morning, it is best to follow those instructions.
If you have any questions or concerns, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider.
Can you take hydroxychloroquine and Tylenol at the same time?
Yes, it is generally safe to take hydroxychloroquine and Tylenol (acetaminophen) at the same time. However, it is important to follow all instructions given to you by your physician, who will know your medical history and the dosages you should take for best results.
Taking the two drugs together could cause an increase in side effects or a decrease in effectiveness, so it is always important to consult your doctor first. Additionally, it is important to take note of any potential interactions between these drugs, as well as with any other medications you may be taking.
It is also important to ensure that you do not exceed the maximum dose of each medication when taking them together. Taking these precautions will help ensure that taking hydroxychloroquine and Tylenol together is safe and effective.
Should hydroxychloroquine be taken with food or on an empty stomach?
It’s important to take hydroxychloroquine with food or a glass of milk to avoid an upset stomach. Taking on an empty stomach may cause an upset stomach and potentially lead to reduced absorption of the medication.
Furthermore, when taken with food, hydroxychloroquine absorption is more consistent, providing a more consistent therapeutic response. In general, hydroxychloroquine should be taken with a meal or snack to make sure that enough of the drug is absorbed.
It should also be taken with a full glass of water to prevent the development of kidney stones. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, it should not be taken.
All doses should be taken as prescribed, and it is important to follow the doctor’s instructions exactly.
What medications should magnesium not be taken with?
It is important to be aware that certain medications can interact negatively with magnesium, so it is important to inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking. Certain antacids and antibiotics may bind to magnesium, reducing its absorption in the body.
Certain diuretics, such as thiazide diuretics, are known to be flushed out of the body with magnesium, eliminating its effectiveness. Additionally, statins (medications used to lower cholesterol levels) can increase the risk of muscle weakness and cramping when taken with magnesium.
As well, those taking digoxin (aheart medication) should be mindful of the potential interaction with magnesium. The interaction between magnesium and digoxin can increase the levels of digoxin in the body, putting the patient at risk of toxicity.
In addition, those on blood pressure medications, particularly calcium channel blockers, should be cautious when taking magnesium, as it can cause blood pressure to drop too low. It is always best to speak to your doctor or pharmacist to ensure that no interactions exist between the medications you are taking and magnesium.
Does hydroxychloroquine cause vitamin D deficiency?
No, hydroxychloroquine does not cause vitamin D deficiency. However, there is some evidence that suggests that hydroxychloroquine may interact with vitamin D metabolism and increase a patient’s risk for vitamin D deficiency.
Hydroxychloroquine has been shown to potentially decrease vitamin D production in the body by blocking UVB light from reaching the skin, as well as by reducing the stimulation of vitamin D precursor production in the liver and kidney.
Therefore, while hydroxychloroquine has not been directly linked to vitamin D deficiency, it may have an indirect role.
If a patient is taking hydroxychloroquine, it is important that they have their vitamin D levels monitored on a regular basis to ensure they stay within a healthy range. Additionally, patients should ensure they are getting adequate sun exposure and taking a vitamin D supplement to ensure they are not deficient in this important nutrient.
Does Plaquenil deplete B12?
No, Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) does not deplete vitamin B12. Hydroxychloroquine is prescribed as an antimalarial medication to prevent and treat a wide variety of infections. Research suggests that it is unlikely to interfere with a patient’s vitamin B12 intake or absorption, so it should be safe to take regardless of one’s B12 levels and supplementation.
Additionally, no studies have reported that hydroxychloroquine has an effect on vitamin B12.
In fact, vitamin B12 is important to consider when taking hydroxychloroquine since the medication requires regular monitoring of liver function, red and white blood cell counts, and other metabolic parameters.
Vitamin B12 affects these processes, so really should be monitored upstream, regardless of the hydroxychloroquine status.
So, although Plaquenil does not directly deplete B12, it is important to monitor vitamin B12 levels and intake alongside hydroxychloroquine use. That said, it’s unlikely that hydroxychloroquine decreases B12 intake or level.
Does B12 interfere with any medications?
It is possible that vitamin B12 could interact with some medications. For example, taking medications like Metformin, Proton Pump Inhibitors and H2 Blockers can reduce the amount of B12 absorbed by the body; this could lead to a deficiency of the vitamin, if not counteracted with dietary sources or supplementation.
Additionally, medication like Chloramphenicol for antibiotics and Colchicine for gout can interfere with B12 absorption as well.
Before taking any vitamin or supplement, it is important to consult with a health care professional to ensure it will not negatively interact with any existing medications. Your doctor or pharmacist can be the most reliable source of information to answer any questions you may have.
Do any vitamins interact with Plaquenil?
Yes, certain vitamins can interact with Plaquenil. It is important to discuss any medications or supplements you take, including vitamins, with your doctor before beginning your Plaquenil treatment. Some vitamins have been known to interact with Plaquenil and should, therefore, be taken with extra caution.
These vitamins include Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and Vitamin K. Vitamin A can increase the risk of Plaquenil toxicity, making it important for those taking Plaquenil to stay within the Recommended Dietary Allowance for Vitamin A.
Taking too much can cause a buildup of the drug, potentially leading to a greater degree of adverse effects. Vitamin D supplementation is also important for those taking Plaquenil, as it can reduce the risk of Plaquenil-associated skin issues, as well as supplementing calcium requirements.
Finally, Vitamin K is also important in Plaquenil treatment. It helps manage bleeding disorders, and can reduce the risk of adverse effects caused by Plaquenil. As with any supplement, it is important to discuss Vitamin K supplementation with your doctor before beginning a treatment.
In conclusion, there are certain vitamins which can interact with Plaquenil, and it is important to discuss any medications or supplements you take, including vitamins, with your doctor before beginning your Plaquenil treatment.
