Hydroxychloroquine

Anti-rheumatic and antimalarial
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Hydroxychloroquine is a anti-rheumatic and antimalarial found in 8 medicines sold in India, such as HCQS 200, HCQS 300, Zy-Q 200. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

Also called: hcq

What it is used for

Treats rheumatoid arthritis and lupus; also malaria.

How it works

Calms the immune system in rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and some skin conditions; also an antimalarial.

How to take it

Usually 200 to 400 mg a day with food. Benefit takes 2 to 3 months. Eye checks are needed every year after 5 years.

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhoea
  • Headache
  • Rash

Get medical help straight away if

  • Blurred vision or trouble reading (eye damage)
  • Fainting or palpitations
  • Low sugar

Be careful

Needs regular eye checks with long use.

Other medicines and interactions

Antacids reduce absorption; take 4 hours apart. Heart rhythm risk with other QT-prolonging medicines. Can lower sugar with diabetes medicines.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Usually continued in pregnancy for lupus; acceptable while breastfeeding.

Brands of Hydroxychloroquine (8)

HCQS 200HCQS 300Hetq 200Hqtor 200Hyq 200OXCQ 200Qdmrd-200Zy-Q 200

Common questions

What is Hydroxychloroquine used for?

Treats rheumatoid arthritis and lupus; also malaria.

How does Hydroxychloroquine work?

Calms the immune system in rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and some skin conditions; also an antimalarial.

How should I take Hydroxychloroquine?

Usually 200 to 400 mg a day with food. Benefit takes 2 to 3 months. Eye checks are needed every year after 5 years.

What are the side effects of Hydroxychloroquine?

Common: Nausea, diarrhoea, headache, rash. Get help straight away for: Blurred vision or trouble reading (eye damage), fainting or palpitations, low sugar.

Does Hydroxychloroquine interact with other medicines?

Antacids reduce absorption; take 4 hours apart. Heart rhythm risk with other QT-prolonging medicines. Can lower sugar with diabetes medicines.

Is Hydroxychloroquine safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Usually continued in pregnancy for lupus; acceptable while breastfeeding.

Does Hydroxychloroquine need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Hydroxychloroquine?

HCQS 200, HCQS 300, Hetq 200, Hqtor 200, Hyq 200, OXCQ 200, Qdmrd-200, Zy-Q 200.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.