Table 4.

Adverse drug reactions of hydroxychloroquine therapy.

Common

Abdominal pain, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, emotional lability, skin reactions, tinnitus, dizziness, vertigo, alopecia, hair color changes

Uncommon

Hypoglycemia, bone marrow disorders, acute hepatic failure, angioedema, photosensitivity reaction, severe cutaneous adverse reactions (scars)

Caution

G6PD deficiency (hemolysis), moderate-to-severe hepatic impairment and renal impairment (monitor blood levels), alcoholism, psoriasis (severe flare-up of psoriasis), pregnancy and lactation (crosses placenta and secreted in milk; however, regarded as generally safe to use)

Major toxicity

Acute use: cardiotoxicity (long QT syndrome, Torsade de Pointes, sudden cardiac deaths) Chronic use: retinopathy, myopathy and neuropathy