Hydroxychloroquine is primarily used to treat and manage several conditions.
Uses of Hydroxychloroquine
Hydroxychloroquine is a medication that falls into two classes: antimalarials and antirheumatic drugs. This dual classification means it has different purposes, as explained below:
1. Treatment of Malaria
- Hydroxychloroquine functions by directly killing the organisms that cause malaria. This is its primary function as an antimalarial.
2. Management of Autoimmune Conditions
- It also serves as an antirheumatic drug, specifically used to treat:
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Hydroxychloroquine works to reduce the overactivity of the immune system that is responsible for the inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus: It aids in managing lupus by decreasing the activity of the immune system, thus reducing the severity of lupus symptoms.
| Condition | How Hydroxychloroquine Works |
|---|---|
| Malaria | Kills the organisms causing the disease. |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis | Decreases the activity of the immune system, reducing inflammation. |
| Systemic Lupus Erythematosus | Decreases the activity of the immune system, controlling symptoms. |
In summary, hydroxychloroquine is a versatile medication used to combat malaria and manage autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
