cartiquin (HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE)

What is Cartiquin?

Cartiquin is primarily used to treat malaria, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. It works by interfering with the growth of parasites in malaria and by reducing inflammation in autoimmune diseases. It inhibits the immune system's activity, which helps control conditions like lupus and arthritis. This medicine also has antiviral properties and is sometimes used to treat certain viral infections.

What is the usual dose of Cartiquin?

The usual starting dose for adults is typically 50 mg taken once daily. Depending on the patient's response, the dose may be adjusted by the healthcare provider. The maximum recommended dose is usually 100 mg per day. For secondary indications, such as treating high blood pressure, the dose might differ, and a healthcare provider will provide specific instructions. For special populations like children or the elderly, dose adjustments are often necessary to ensure safety and effectiveness. It's crucial to follow the healthcare provider's instructions for dosing to avoid any potential side effects or complications.

How do I take Cartiquin?

Cartiquin should be taken with food or milk to reduce stomach upset. There are no specific food restrictions, but it's important to follow the prescribed dosage and avoid exceeding the recommended dose. Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it. It’s also advised to drink plenty of water while taking it to stay hydrated.

For how long do I take Cartiquin?

The duration of Cartiquin depends on the condition:

• Malaria: Short-term (3-day regimen for treatment, longer for prevention).
• Autoimmune conditions (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis): Long-term, often for years.

Follow your doctor's guidance for your specific situation.

What disease or symptom is Cartiquin used for?

Cartiquin is commonly used to treat:

1. Malaria: It is used for both the treatment and prevention of malaria caused by Plasmodium species.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis: It helps reduce inflammation and pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): It is used to manage the symptoms of lupus, such as inflammation, joint pain, and skin rashes.
4. Discoid Lupus: A type of lupus that primarily affects the skin.
5. Other Autoimmune Disorders: Sometimes used off-label for conditions like Sjögren's syndrome and other inflammatory diseases.

How long does it take for Cartiquin to start working?

Cartiquin may take several weeks to show its full effect, especially for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. For malaria prevention, it may start working within a few days, but the full effect can take a week or more. The exact time depends on the condition being treated and individual response to the medication.

Is Cartiquin effective?

Cartiquin is proven effective for treating malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. It works by inhibiting the growth of malaria parasites and reducing inflammation in autoimmune conditions. Although it showed limited benefit for COVID-19, its effectiveness in malaria and autoimmune diseases is well-established.

How do I know if Cartiquin is working?

The benefit of Cartiquin is evaluated through regular monitoring of clinical symptoms, such as the reduction of malaria symptoms (fever, chills) or improvement in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. For malaria, blood tests may confirm parasite clearance, while for autoimmune diseases, laboratory tests (e.g., inflammatory markers) and clinical assessments of joint or skin symptoms are used. Regular eye exams are also recommended due to the potential for retinal toxicity.

How does Cartiquin work?

Cartiquin works by interfering with the normal functioning of cells in the body, particularly the immune cells. It is thought to:

Inhibit immune system activity: It affects the immune system by suppressing the overactive immune response in diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. It reduces the production of inflammatory chemicals and prevents the immune system from attacking the body's own tissues.

Modulate pH levels: Cartiquin alters the pH within cells, particularly in lysosomes (cell compartments), which helps to prevent the replication of certain pathogens, such as the malaria parasite.

Anti-inflammatory effects: It helps reduce inflammation in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis by interfering with the signaling pathways that cause the release of inflammatory chemicals.

Who should avoid taking Cartiquin?

Cartiquin should be used with caution in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions (especially arrhythmias), liver or kidney disease, and vision problems, as it can cause retinal damage or worsen pre-existing conditions. It is contraindicated in people with hypersensitivity to the drug, G6PD deficiency (due to the risk of hemolytic anemia), and porphyria. It is also not recommended during pregnancy unless necessary and should be avoided in breastfeeding mothers unless the benefit outweighs the risk. Regular eye exams are advised for long-term users.

Can I take Cartiquin with other prescription drugs?

Cartiquin can interact with several prescription medications. Key interactions include:

1. Antacids: These can reduce Cartiquin absorption, making it less effective. It's recommended to separate the dosing of these drugs by a few hours.
2. Corticosteroids: Combining Cartiquin with corticosteroids can increase the risk of side effects like eye damage.
3. Digoxin: Cartiquin may increase digoxin levels in the blood, raising the risk of toxicity.
4. Rifampin: Rifampin may decrease Cartiquin's effectiveness by speeding up its elimination.
5. QT-prolonging drugs: Cartiquin may increase the risk of heart arrhythmias when taken with other drugs that prolong the QT interval (e.g., amiodarone).

Can Cartiquin be taken safely while pregnant?

Cartiquin is classified as a Category C drug during pregnancy, meaning that its safety has not been fully established. Animal studies have shown potential risks, but there are no well-controlled human studies. However, the drug is generally considered to be safe for use during pregnancy when the benefits outweigh the risks, especially for conditions like lupus or malaria where the mother’s health could be severely affected. It should only be used if prescribed by a healthcare provider after careful consideration of the potential risks to the fetus.

Can Cartiquin be taken safely while breastfeeding?

Cartiquin is excreted in breast milk in small amounts, but it is generally considered safe for use during breastfeeding. Studies suggest that the levels of the drug in breast milk are low and unlikely to cause harm to the infant. However, as with any medication, it should be used during breastfeeding only when necessary and under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Monitoring the infant for any side effects is recommended.

Is Cartiquin safe for the elderly?

Yes, but elderly individuals may be more sensitive to side effects, such as heart issues, so careful monitoring is important.

How should I store Cartiquin?

Store the Cartiquin in a cool, dry place at normal room temperature, between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). It can be briefly stored between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C).

Does Cartiquin make people tired or drowsy?

It can cause mild fatigue or drowsiness in some people, but it’s not a common side effect.

Does Cartiquin cause stomach upset?

Yes, some people may experience mild stomach upset or nausea

Does Cartiquin affect sleep?

Sleep disturbances are uncommon, but some may experience difficulty sleeping.

Does Cartiquin make it hard to think or concentrate?

It is rare, but some people may experience dizziness or difficulty concentrating

Does Cartiquin affect mood?

Mood changes are not common but may occur in some individuals.

Does Cartiquin interfere with sexual function?

It is not known to interfere with sexual function

Does Cartiquin affect appetite?

It typically does not affect appetite, but some people may experience nausea.

Does Cartiquin cause weight gain?

Weight gain is not a common side effect of Cartiquin

Does Cartiquin cause headaches?

Headaches are a possible but uncommon side effect.

Does Cartiquin limit driving?

It generally does not affect driving unless you experience dizziness, visual disturbances, or other side effects

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Cartiquin?

Moderate alcohol consumption is usually safe, but it can increase the risk of side effects like liver damage.

Is it safe to drink coffee or tea while taking Cartiquin?

Yes, there are no known interactions with coffee or tea

Is it safe to exercise while taking Cartiquin?

Yes, exercise is safe, but if you experience dizziness or fatigue, adjust accordingly

What are the most common side effects of Cartiquin?

A side effect is an unwanted or unexpected symptom caused by a medicine. For this medicine, common side effects may include nausea, which is feeling sick to your stomach, dizziness, which is feeling lightheaded or unsteady, headache, which is pain in the head, fatigue, which is feeling very tired, and dry mouth, which is a lack of saliva. The frequency of these side effects can vary, but they are generally considered common. It's important to note that when starting a new medicine, people might experience new symptoms that could be coincidental, unrelated, or temporary. These symptoms might also be due to another health issue. Always talk to a healthcare provider before stopping any medicine, as they can provide guidance on managing side effects and ensure your treatment is safe and effective.

Does Cartiquin have adverse effects?

Adverse effects, which are unwanted or harmful reactions to a medicine, can occur when taking any medication. For this medicine, common adverse effects might include nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and dry mouth. These effects can vary in frequency, with some people experiencing them more often than others. Serious adverse effects, although rare, may include severe allergic reactions, chest pain, or difficulty breathing. These require immediate medical attention. It's important to report any new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider. Never stop taking a medicine without consulting them first, as they can provide guidance on managing side effects or adjusting your treatment plan.

Is Cartiquin addictive?

This medicine does not have any known potential for dependence or addiction. It is considered safe in terms of habit-forming properties. Therefore, there is no need to worry about developing a physical or psychological dependence on this medication. However, it is always important to follow the prescribed dosage and instructions provided by your healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective use. If you have any concerns or experience any unusual symptoms, it is advisable to consult with your doctor for further guidance.

Does Cartiquin have any safety warnings?

This medicine does have safety warnings. One key warning is the risk of allergic reactions, which can occur if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. An allergic reaction can cause symptoms like rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately. Another warning is about potential liver damage, which can happen if the medicine is taken in high doses or for a long time. Signs of liver damage include yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe stomach pain. If you experience these symptoms, contact your doctor right away. Lastly, this medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness, which can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. If you feel dizzy or drowsy, avoid these activities to prevent accidents.

Is it safe to stop Cartiquin?

To determine if it's safe to stop a medicine, first identify its purpose. If it's for managing a chronic condition like hypertension or diabetes, stopping it suddenly can lead to serious health risks, such as uncontrolled blood pressure or blood sugar levels. If the medicine is for symptomatic relief or treating an acute condition, like an infection, stopping it prematurely might result in the return of symptoms or incomplete treatment. Some medicines can cause withdrawal or rebound symptoms if stopped abruptly, which can be uncomfortable or even dangerous. It's crucial to consult with a doctor before stopping any medicine, as they can provide guidance on how to safely discontinue it, if appropriate, and monitor for any adverse effects.

How do I dispose of Cartiquin?

If you can, bring unused medicines to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. They will dispose of this medicine properly so they don't harm people or the environment. If you can't find a take-back program, you can throw most medicines in the trash at home. But first, take them out of their original containers, mix them with something undesirable like used coffee grounds, seal the mixture in a plastic bag and throw it away.

What are Cartiquin possible harms and risks?

The most common side effects of Cartiquin include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, and diarrhea. Serious adverse effects can include retinal damage, which can lead to vision problems or blindness, especially with long-term use. Other significant risks are cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and blood disorders like anemia. Rare but severe effects include hypoglycemia and severe skin reactions.