(96581-PH, 0.5 hr CE)

Hosted by Dr. Chris Lopez and Dr. Sam Valley, this episode discusses hydroxychloroquine, its uses, side effects, and role in eye care.

Introduced in 1955, hydroxychloroquine is used for malaria treatment, prophylaxis, and autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Key dosing guidelines are 400 mg weekly for malaria prophylaxis, 800 mg initially followed by 400 mg at intervals for malaria treatment, and 200-400 mg daily for autoimmune diseases.

Monitoring for toxicity involves visual field testing, OCT retina, and other assessments. Risk factors include dose, duration, age, renal function, and genetics. Effective communication with rheumatologists is crucial for patient care.