The prescribing of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine by consultant rheumatologists in the UK.
A questionnaire on chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine prescribing was circulated nationally to 212 consultant rheumatologists and 119 replies were analysed. Of all patients receiving second-line drugs, 10% were prescribed antimalarials, with hydroxychloroquine being used four times more frequently than chloroquine. Eighty-five per cent of rheumatologists always used the same dose of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine. Only 5% considered patient's weight in deciding the dose. Fear of ocular toxicity was expressed by many physicians; 54% had experienced corneal deposits; 4% retinopathy and 40% believed cumulative dose determined toxicity. Much confusion existed over the necessity for and frequency of ophthalmological monitoring. Only 56% requested ophthalmological tests before commencing treatment, although 86% monitored the eyes during therapy. Other side-effects were believed to affect 1-10% of patients, with no anticipated difference between doses of 250 mg chloroquine and 400 mg hydroxychloroquine daily.
Kay
E A
EA
Department of Pharmacy, University of Manchester, Salford, UK.
Rees
J A
JA
Jayson
M I
MI
D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002738:Chloroquine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006886:Hydroxychloroquine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006113:United Kingdom
D006886:Hydroxychloroquine; D002738:Chloroquine