What is hydroxychloroquine?

Hydroxychloroquine is a prescription drug. It comes as an oral tablet.

Common side effects

The more common side effects that can occur with hydroxychloroquine include:

• headache
• dizziness
• diarrhea
• stomach cramps
• vomiting

Serious side effects

• blurred vision or other vision changes, which may be permanent in some cases
• heart disease, including heart failure and issues with your heart rhythm; some cases have been fatal
• ringing in your ears or hearing loss
• angioedema (rapid swelling of your skin)
• hives
• mild or severe bronchospasm
• sore throat
• severe hypoglycemia
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• blue-black skin color
• muscle weakness
• hair loss or changes in hair color
• abnormal mood changes
• mental health effects, including suicidal thoughts

Disclaimer: Healthline provides relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare provider who knows your medical history.

Hydroxychloroquine may interact with other medications

Hydroxychloroquine oral tablet can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.

To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking. To find out how this drug might interact with something else you’re taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not use these medications to treat COVID-19 unless your doctor recommends that you do so.