Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is a medication used to treat or prevent malaria, and to treat symptoms of autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. It should be noted that Plaquenil is not designed to interact with any particular type of food.
However, it is important to be aware of the potential interactions that can occur between medications and certain foods.
Certain foods may contribute to the reduction of the effectiveness of Plaquenil. It is best to avoid foods that contain large amounts of iron and magnesium, such as dark leafy greens, legumes, and nuts.
Additionally, it is best to limit consumption of alcohol while taking Plaquenil, as this may increase your risk of certain side effects.
The absorption of Plaquenil may also be affected by consuming certain foods. Dairy products, for example, can reduce the absorption of Plaquenil, and it is best to limit dairy consumption a few hours before and after taking your Plaquenil doses.
Calcium-fortified juices and other beverages should also be consumed a few hours before or after Plaquenil.
Finally, patients taking Plaquenil should also avoid consuming antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum, as these can bind to Plaquenil in the digestive system and prevent its absorption. As always, it is best to consult with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure that you are taking your medications correctly.
What meds Cannot be taken with hydroxychloroquine?
It is important to avoid taking certain medications with hydroxychloroquine, especially certain antacids, antibiotics, diuretics, heart and blood pressure drugs, and certain herbs and dietary supplements.
Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, certain antibiotics including ampicillin and tetracycline, diuretics including hydrochlorothiazide, heart and blood pressure medications such as quinidine and procainamide, and the herbs feverfew and ginseng should not be taken with hydroxychloroquine.
Additionally, over-the-counter antacids, antidiarrheals, supplements such as iron and calcium, and multivitamins containing iron, magnesium, or zinc should also be avoided. Before beginning any new medications, it is important to discuss any potential drug interactions with a healthcare provider.
What Vitamins does Plaquenil deplete?
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause a variety of vitamin and mineral deficiencies in some users. The most common vitamins that Plaquenil depletes are vitamins B6, C, and D, calcium, folate, magnesium, and selenium, though other vitamins and minerals may be affected depending on the individual patient.
Vitamin B6 deficiency has been linked to a greater risk of Plaquenil toxicity, and should be monitored during treatment. Vitamin C deficiency may lead to increased oxidative damage, increased risk of infection, and decreased immune system functioning.
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to impaired bone quality, weak muscles, and slowed healing. Calcium deficiency can lead to reduced bone mineral density, muscle cramps and spasms, and joint pain. Folate deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline.
Magnesium deficiency may be responsible for some of the neurological and cardiac side effects that can occur with Plaquenil. Finally, selenium deficiency may lead to changes in hormone levels, weakened immune system functioning, and low thyroid levels.
It’s important that patients fill their care team in on any vitamins or minerals that may be affected by Plaquenil in order to monitor levels and ensure proper treatment.
Can I drink coffee with Plaquenil?
Yes, you can have coffee with Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine). However, you should always check with your doctor or pharmacist before combining any medications or supplements, including taking vitamins and/or herbal supplements.
Drinking coffee with Plaquenil is generally considered to be safe, as long as you make sure to also stay hydrated with plenty of water. Caffeinated beverages, including coffee, can cause dehydration due to their diuretic effect.
Therefore, you should make sure you drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. In addition, you should always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before drinking coffee if you are taking any other medications to make sure there are no potential interactions.
Is Plaquenil a high risk medication?
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is a medication that has been used for many years to treat various conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. While Plaquenil is considered a relatively safe medication, it can still result in serious side effects.
These may include vision changes, changes in skin colour, nausea, and vomiting. More serious side effects may include muscle weakness, anxiety, and psychiatric changes. People with certain underlying medical conditions may also be at a higher risk of experiencing an adverse reaction from Plaquenil.
Before starting Plaquenil, it is important to discuss with your doctor any medical conditions you have and any other medications you are taking. While Plaquenil is generally considered to be a safe medication, it does remain a high risk medication and can have potentially serious side effects.
It is important to speak to your doctor about these potential risks before taking the medication.
Is it better to take Plaquenil in the morning or night?
The answer to this question depends on the individual patient. The prescribing information for Plaquenil does not include a specific recommendation regarding when to take the medication. Generally, it is recommended that patients take Plaquenil at the same time each day.
Some patients may prefer to take the medication in the morning and some patients may prefer to take it at night. It is important to take Plaquenil consistently to get the most benefit from it. When first starting Plaquenil, it is generally recommended to take it with food to reduce the risk of side effects.
If a patient experiences side effects with the medication, it is important for them to talk to their doctor about changing the dosing schedule or other treatments to alleviate the side effects. Ultimately, it is best to speak with your doctor when deciding when to take Plaquenil to ensure that it is taken safely and effectively.
What pain reliever can I take with Plaquenil?
It depends on the type of pain relief you are looking for and why you are taking Plaquenil. Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is an approved medication for the treatment and prevention of malaria as well as for the treatment of various other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
If you are taking Plaquenil for one of those conditions, it is important to seek advice from your health care provider before taking any pain reliever.
If you are looking for over-the-counter pain relief, you can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) with Plaquenil. It is important to follow the dosing directions carefully and avoid taking more than the recommended dosage as stated on the packaging, as too much of these medications can cause serious medical problems.
If your doctor has prescribed a stronger pain reliever, they may recommend that you take that instead. Be sure to discuss any other medications you may be taking before taking any over-the-counter pain relievers, to make sure that there are no possible interactions between them.
What can Plaquenil do to your heart?
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is an anti-malarial medication used to treat various autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and sarcoidosis. Plaquenil can have an effect on the heart, particularly when it comes to its electrical activity.
Plaquenil can cause QT prolongation, which is an electrical phenomenon that can affect the heart’s normal rhythm and cause an abnormal, potentially dangerous heart rhythm. Rarely, Plaquenil can also cause ventricular arrhythmias including torsades de pointes and cardiac arrest.
Plaquenil can also cause changes in heart rate, as well as chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate and swelling of the arms, legs and feet. Plaquenil can also cause changes in blood pressure, including both an increase and a decrease in blood pressure.
It is important to discuss any potential cardiac risks with your doctor before beginning Plaquenil treatment. Your doctor may recommend additional cardiac testing including an electrocardiogram (EKG) to assess your risk.
Can I take hydroxychloroquine with dairy?
It is generally recommended not to take hydroxychloroquine with dairy products. Hydroxychloroquine is a medication that can have adverse reactions when taken with certain other medications, including dairy products.
Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, ice cream, etc. , contain components that can interact with and alter the absorption, metabolism, and elimination of hydroxychloroquine. Taking the medication with dairy may reduce its effectiveness and cause it to be less effective for treating your health condition.
It is important to speak with your healthcare provider about what dietary restrictions you should follow when taking hydroxychloroquine and other medications. Additionally, dietary restrictions can also influence the dose you receive.
Your physician may need to adjust your dose depending on what types of food you’re consuming. If you are taking hydroxychloroquine, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any medication and to be aware of any dietary restrictions associated with this medication.
Do you have to eat before taking hydroxychloroquine?
No, you do not have to eat before taking hydroxychloroquine. However, you should take it with food if it upsets your stomach. Taking it with food may help to prevent stomach upset and some other side effects, such as nausea and vomiting.
It may also help to improve absorption of the medication. If you do experience any stomach upset while taking hydroxychloroquine, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist about possible alternatives.
Additionally, it is important to drink plenty of fluids when taking hydroxychloroquine, as it can cause dehydration.
What nutrients does hydroxychloroquine deplete?
Hydroxychloroquine is known to deplete certain nutrients in the body, including some B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin K, magnesium, and zinc. The exact mechanism by which Hydroxychloroquine depletes these nutrients is unknown, but it is hypothesized that this may be because it affects the body’s ability to absorb and utilize these nutrients.
Additionally, Hydroxychloroquine may also interfere with the absorption of some important minerals, such as iron, calcium, and magnesium. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional about monitoring levels of these nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, as well as other possible depletions, before taking Hydroxychloroquine.
Additionally, it is recommended to eat a balanced diet to help maintain an adequate supply of these nutrients. Eating a diet that is rich in lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables is generally recommended.
Supplements may also be beneficial, with attention paid to not exceed the recommended daily allowance of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. It is also important to stay adequately hydrated while taking this medication, as it may increase the risk of dehydration.
Should I take hydroxychloroquine at night or in the morning?
The answer to this question depends on the medical advice you have received from a doctor or pharmacist. Generally speaking, the dosing instructions for hydroxychloroquine depend on the purpose of its usage as well as the individual’s medical history.
As a general rule, hydroxychloroquine should be taken with food or a glass of milk to reduce stomach irritation, generally 1 to 2 hours before or after meals. If it is being used as a preventive medication to avoid a certain medical condition, it should be taken in the morning.
If it is being used to treat a current condition, the dosage instructions will likely vary and may require alternating doses taken in the morning and at night. It is important to follow the dosing instructions specified by your healthcare professional.
Does hydroxychloroquine cause vitamin D deficiency?
No, there is currently no evidence to suggest that hydroxychloroquine can lead to vitamin D deficiency. While some people taking this medication have experienced vitamin D deficiency, this could be due to other conditions that can lead to a deficiency, such as a diet lacking in vitamin D or a lack of exposure to sunlight.
Furthermore, there is also no association between low vitamin D levels and the use of hydroxychloroquine.
However, it is important to note that vitamin D deficiency is a very common condition and should be addressed if present. If you are on hydroxychloroquine, it is highly encouraged that you start taking vitamin D supplements or increase your exposure to direct sunlight, which is the best way to get enough vitamin D.
Additionally, it is important to get your vitamin D levels tested to ensure that you are getting enough vitamin D in your diet.
When is the time of the day to take Plaquenil?
Ideally, the best time of day to take Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is the same time every day, regardless of the meal. For example, if you take it at 8:00am one day, you should take it at 8:00am every day after that.
It is important to take Plaquenil with food to help with stomach upset, if any. It is also important to take it with a full glass of water. Additionally, if taking more than one dose daily, separate doses should be spaced at least 8 hours apart.
Make sure to take Plaquenil exactly as prescribed by your health care provider.