title: Ocular safety of hydroxychloroquine.
abstract: Analysis of all published cases and Food and Drug Administration reports of retinopathy induced by hydroxychloroquine did not show any evidence of permanent visual-field scotomas occurring when the daily dose did not exceed 6.5 mg/kg body weight for maintenance therapy. Small risk factors may appear at this dosage level only when the duration of treatment exceeds ten years and/or chronic renal insufficiency is present. Because macular diseases not related to this drug commonly occur in older patients, periodic ophthalmologic examinations and central-field testing are recommended. A modified Amsler grid macular screening test is described, and participation of the treating physician in the testing program is encouraged to provide the maximum medicolegal protection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC 20010.
authors.forename: H N
authors.initials: HN
authors.lastname: Bernstein
mesh_terms: D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D006886:Hydroxychloroquine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D014787:Vision Tests; D014794:Visual Fields
chemical_list: D006886:Hydroxychloroquine