This video explores the clinical use, safety, and monitoring of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in rheumatology, focusing on its role in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
Key Highlights:
- Weight-based dosing (≤5 mg/kg/day actual body weight) to maximize efficacy and reduce toxicity.
- Therapeutic benefits as a disease-modifying and steroid-sparing agent.
- Major safety concerns including retinal toxicity, cardiac toxicity (QT prolongation, cardiomyopathy), and neuromuscular/cutaneous adverse effects.
- High-risk factors such as treatment >5 years, cumulative dose >1000 g, renal impairment, and tamoxifen use.
- Importance of baseline and annual ophthalmic screening (SD-OCT, FAF, visual fields), routine monitoring, and timely management of toxicity, including drug discontinuation when indicated.