What is the brand name for Hydroxychloroquine?
The brand name for Hydroxychloroquine is Plaquenil.
PTCB TOP 200 · #131
Hydroxychloroquine
Plaquenil
Hydroxychloroquine is the generic name for the brand-name drug Plaquenil. It is an antimalarial (dmard) used to treat RA, lupus, malaria. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Hydroxychloroquine ranks #131 and is one of the most frequently tested rheumatology/immunology medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Hydroxychloroquine |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Plaquenil |
| Drug class | Antimalarial (DMARD) |
| Class group | Rheumatology/Immunology |
| Common use | RA, lupus, malaria |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Hydroxychloroquine used for?
Treatment of malaria; treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
What drug class is Hydroxychloroquine?
Hydroxychloroquine is an Antimalarial (DMARD) in the Rheumatology/Immunology group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Hydroxychloroquine
- arrow_rightNausea
- arrow_rightDiarrhea
- arrow_rightAbdominal pain
- arrow_rightHeadache
- arrow_rightRash
- arrow_rightItching
Major interactions
- arrow_rightQT-prolonging drugs (e.g., amiodarone, macrolides) → arrhythmia risk
- arrow_rightDigoxin → may increase digoxin levels
- arrow_rightAntidiabetic meds → hypoglycemia risk
- arrow_rightAntacids may reduce absorption (separate dosing)
Is Hydroxychloroquine a controlled substance?
No. Hydroxychloroquine is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
How to remember Hydroxychloroquine (PTCE mnemonic)
PLAQUE-nil PLAQUEs less — hydroxychloroquine for RA/lupus/malaria. RETINOPATHY (annual eye exams after 5 yrs); QT prolongation; slow onset (3-6 mo).
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
Hydroxychloroquine's signature monitoring is regular EYE exams for retinal toxicity — and Plaquenil / Platinol is a LASA pair worth flagging.
Hydroxychloroquine FAQ
What is Hydroxychloroquine used for?
Hydroxychloroquine is used to treat RA, lupus, malaria. Treatment of malaria; treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
What drug class is Hydroxychloroquine?
Hydroxychloroquine is an Antimalarial (DMARD) (Rheumatology/Immunology group).
Is Hydroxychloroquine a controlled substance?
No. Hydroxychloroquine is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Study guides that cover Hydroxychloroquine
Free, in-depth guides to the patterns behind this drug — no app needed.
Drug suffix cheat sheetthe suffix that gives away this drug's class
How to memorize the Top 200 drugsa method for locking in brand↔generic pairs
How hard is the PTCE?what the pass rate really means
Failed the PTCB? The comeback planwhat to do if the first attempt failsSee all PTCE study guides or browse the full Top 200 drug list.
Drill Hydroxychloroquine the way the PTCE asks it
RxReflex turns the Top 200 drugs into fast flashcard rounds, a guided Learn path, pharmacy math, and 40+ cheat sheets. Free to start.
Related drugs in the Rheumatology/Immunology group
Written and reviewed by the RxReflex Content Team. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).