Signaquin 200 mg Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions

Working

Signaquin (hydroxychloroquine) has been used widely for the treatment of arthritis and lupus. It increases pH within the cells and alters processes such as protein degradation in the cells. Its anti-rheumatic properties result from its interference with antigen processing in the cells. As far as malaria is concerned, hydroxychloroquine does not allow the malarial parasite to enter and infect the cells. The drug prevents the invasion of the parasite in the red blood cells.

Dose

• Malaria Prevention: Signaquin 200 mg (2 tablets – 400 mg) once weekly on the same day for 2 weeks before and 4 weeks after exposure to the endemic area.
• Malaria Treatment: Signaquin 200 mg (4 tablets - 800 mg) followed by 400 mg at 6 hours, and then 400 mg after 24 hours and 400 mg 48 hours after the first dose.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus Treatment: Signaquin 200 mg or 400 mg once daily as long as your doctor advises.
• You can take Signaquin pills orally with food or with a glass of milk to prevent gastric irritation.
• If you are taking any antacids, keep a gap of 4 hours between the doses of antacids and this malaria drug.

Side Effects

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Headache

If any of the abovementioned side effects persist or get worse, seek medical attention promptly. Tell your doctor if you have serious side effects such as slow heartbeat, chest pain, breathlessness, mood changes, hearing changes, or any other unwanted side effects.

Precautions

• Before taking Signaquin pills, tell your doctor if you are allergic to hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine.
• Before using this malaria medication, tell your doctor if you have any medical history, especially G6PD deficiency, eye problems, kidney disease, liver dysfunction, etc.
• Before taking Signaquin 200 mg, tell your doctor about the medications you have been using so that unwanted drug interactions can be avoided.
• During pregnancy, Signaquin should be used if your doctor has clearly indicated it. Please have a word with your doctor before using this medicine during pregnancy.
• Hydroxychloroquine passes into breast milk and could affect the newborn. So, please consult your doctor about using the drug during breastfeeding.

Warnings

• Signaquin may make you dizzy so avoid alcohol or illegal drugs that can make you dizzier; also, avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing things that need your alertness.
• If you are diabetic, hydroxychloroquine may affect your blood sugar levels. So check your blood sugar regularly if you are on this medication.
• Signaquin has been found to make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Therefore, it is imperative to limit your time in the sun, avoid sunlamps or tanning booths.
• Hydroxychloroquine may cause a heart condition called arrhythmia so patients with heart disease should consult their doctor first before using the drug.
• Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects of the Signaquin, especially arrhythmia, so they should use the drug with extra caution.