Medically reviewed by Jessica Swirble, PharmD
Last updated on 6/18/2024

Drug Information | Side Effects | Use & Dosage | Request a Prescription

The use of hydroxychloroquine can lead to various side effects in some individuals.

Common mild side effects of hydroxychloroquine use include:

• Headaches
  
• Nausea
  
• Dizziness
  
• Vomiting
  
• Rash
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Stomach pain
  
• Weight loss
  
• Hair loss
  
  

More severe side effects include:

• Suicidal thoughts and changes in mood
  
• Vision changes (blurry or distorted vision)
  
• Blood in urine or stools
  
• Light sensitivity
  
• Anxiety
  
• Swelling
  
• Unexplained bruising
  
• Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
  
• Drowsiness
  
• Seizures
  
• Difficulty breathing
  
• Severe skin rashes
  
• Low blood sugar
  
• Changes in liver and kidney function
  
• Muscle weakness, numbness, and pain
  
  

If you experience any severe or concerning side effects while taking hydroxychloroquine, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Inform your healthcare provider about any existing medical conditions, allergies, or other medications you are taking before starting treatment with hydroxychloroquine. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements, as they may interact with hydroxychloroquine.

Tell your provider if you are taking these medications or supplements:

• Cimetidine
  
• Cyclosporine
  
• Rifampicin
  
• Mefloquine
  
• Ampicillin
  
• Digoxicin
  
• Praziquantel
  
• Antacids
  
• Insulin or other forms of diabetes medication
  
• Antiepileptics
  
  

You should also mention medical conditions such as:

• Prolonged QT interval
  
• Blood disorders
  
• Heart failure
  
• Heart attack
  
• Irregular heartbeat or other heart problems
  
• Eye disorders or vision problems
  
• Gastrointestinal disorders
  
• Seizures
  
• Diabetes
  
• Depression
  
• Psoriasis
  
• Neurological disease
  
• Kidney disease
  
• Liver disease
  
• G6PD deficiency
  
  

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks and benefits of using hydroxychloroquine with your healthcare provider.

Take hydroxychloroquine exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration of treatment.

Hydroxychloroquine can cause dizziness or vision changes. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

Complete the full course of treatment, even if you feel better, to ensure the medication's effectiveness in managing your condition.

In case of a hydroxychloroquine overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include headache, drowsiness, visual disturbances, or convulsions. If you suspect an overdose, contact the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222 or call emergency services.