Medicine Information

Avloquin-H

Name: Avloquin-H
Brand: Avloquin-H
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Tablet200 mgAnti-malarial, Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs), ImmunosuppressantsATC: P01BA02

Generic Name

Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate

Manufacturer

Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
avloquin h 200 mg tablet	৳ 15.00	৳ 150.00

Description

Overview of the medicine

Avloquin-H 200 mg Tablet contains Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate, an antimalarial and anti-inflammatory drug used to treat malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and certain other autoimmune conditions.

Uses & Indications

Treatment and prophylaxis of malaria

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

Dosage

Adults

For RA/SLE: Initially 400 mg daily, then reduced to 200-400 mg daily. For Malaria: Treatment doses vary (e.g., initial 800 mg, then 400 mg at 6, 24, and 48 hours for acute malaria). Prophylaxis: 400 mg once weekly.

Elderly

Careful monitoring required; dose adjustment may be necessary in case of renal or hepatic impairment.

Renal_impairment

Dose reduction recommended in patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min). Consult physician.

How to Take

Administer orally with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal upset.

Mechanism of Action

Hydroxychloroquine inhibits DNA and RNA synthesis of malarial parasites, interferes with parasite metabolism, and raises intracellular pH. In autoimmune conditions, it modulates immune responses by inhibiting toll-like receptor signaling, stabilizing lysosomal membranes, and interfering with antigen processing.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Antimalarial effect within hours; autoimmune effects may take weeks to months.

Excretion

Excreted mainly in the urine (about 25% as unchanged drug) and some in feces via biliary excretion.

Half life

Terminal elimination half-life in blood is approximately 32-50 days.

Absorption

Rapidly and almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract (bioavailability about 70%). Peak plasma concentrations reached within 3-4 hours.

Metabolism

Extensively metabolized in the liver by CYP2D6 to N-desethylhydroxychloroquine and other metabolites.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to hydroxychloroquine or 4-aminoquinoline derivatives
Pre-existing maculopathy or retinal damage
Long-term use in children
Porphyria

Drug Interactions

Digoxin

Increases plasma concentration of digoxin.

Antacids

May reduce absorption of hydroxychloroquine. Administer at least 4 hours apart.

Insulin/Oral Hypoglycemics

May potentiate the effects of insulin and oral hypoglycemics, leading to severe hypoglycemia.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose include headache, drowsiness, vision disturbances, cardiovascular collapse, and seizures. Management involves immediate gastric lavage, activated charcoal, and symptomatic supportive care. Monitor ECG and fluid balance.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category C. Use only if potential benefit justifies potential risk to the fetus. Hydroxychloroquine is excreted in breast milk; consult a doctor before breastfeeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

3 x 10 tablets

Shelf Life

2-3 years from the date of manufacture when stored properly.

Availability

Available in pharmacies and hospitals nationwide

Approval Status

Approved by FDA, DGDA and other regulatory bodies

Patent Status

Generic product; original compound patent expired

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Extensively studied for its approved indications. While widely explored for COVID-19, most clinical trials showed no significant benefit for this use.

Lab Monitoring

Baseline and annual ophthalmologic examination (including visual acuity, fundoscopy, automated visual fields)
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
Renal Function Tests (RFTs)
Blood glucose monitoring

Doctor Notes

Stress the importance of baseline and annual ophthalmologic exams.
Educate patients on symptoms of retinopathy and hypoglycemia.
Advise patients not to exceed recommended daily dose (e.g., 5 mg/kg actual body weight or 400 mg daily).

Patient Guidelines

Take medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Undergo regular eye examinations as advised.
Report any changes in vision immediately.
Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor.

Missed Dose Advice

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.

Driving Precautions

May cause dizziness or blurred vision. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.

Lifestyle Advice

For lupus patients, continue sun protection as this medicine does not replace it.
Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, especially if you have liver conditions.