q-rado 400mg tablet - Hydroxychloroquine (400mg) medicine

HCQS 400 Tablet (Hydroxychloroquine 400mg): Complete Guide

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🏭 El-Dorado Bio-Tech Pvt Ltd 📦 Varies by brand 💊 Allopathy 📅 Updated: Sep 23, 2026
⚠️ Hepatotoxicity Risk 🤰 Pregnancy Category Hydroxychloroquine is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy when prescribed by a doctor. It is used to treat malaria and autoimmune diseases in pregnant women. However, it should be used only if clearly needed, and the benefits outweigh the risks. 📋 Prescription Required 💊 Generic Available
Medically Reviewed
11 min read
Evidence: Well-established for malaria and autoimmune diseases.
Reviewed by
SaathiMed Expert Panel | Sep 23, 2026

When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY

  • Blurred vision or vision loss
  • Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
  • Severe dizziness or fainting
  • Signs of allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling of face, lips, or throat
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes
  • Severe abdominal pain

If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.

What is q-rado 400mg tablet used for?

Hydroxychloroquine 400 mg tablet is used to treat malaria and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. It works by killing malaria parasites and reducing inflammation. Take it with food to avoid stomach upset. Regular eye check-ups are important.

  • Generic Name: Hydroxychloroquine (400mg)
  • Manufacturer: El-Dorado Bio-Tech Pvt Ltd
  • Form: Allopathy
  • Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
  • Prescription Required: Yes

🇮🇳 q-rado 400mg tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)

उपयोग: यह दवा मलेरिया के इलाज और रोकथाम के लिए इस्तेमाल की जाती है। इसके अलावा, यह रूमेटॉइड आर्थराइटिस, ल्यूपस और स्जोग्रेन सिंड्रोम जैसी ऑटोइम्यून बीमारियों में भी प्रभावी है। यह सूजन को कम करती है और प्रतिरक्षा प्रणाली को नियंत्रित करती है।

साइड इफेक्ट्स: आम दुष्प्रभावों में मतली, उल्टी, पेट दर्द, सिरदर्द, चक्कर आना और धुंधली दृष्टि शामिल हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभावों में आंखों की रोशनी में बदलाव, दिल की धड़कन में गड़बड़ी, और एलर्जी प्रतिक्रियाएं शामिल हैं। कोई भी असामान्य लक्षण दिखने पर तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।

सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के निर्देशानुसार ही लें। इसे भोजन या दूध के साथ लें ताकि पेट की परेशानी कम हो। शराब का सेवन न करें। नियमित रूप से आंखों की जांच कराएं। गर्भवती होने या गर्भधारण की योजना बनाने पर डॉक्टर से सलाह लें। चक्कर आने पर वाहन न चलाएं।

💡 Did You Know? Over 80% of the antiretroviral drugs used globally to combat AIDS are supplied by Indian pharmaceutical companies.

💊 q-rado 400mg tablet Uses & Benefits

[{"condition":"Malaria","description":"Used for the treatment and prevention of uncomplicated malaria caused by susceptible strains of Plasmodium falciparum, vivax, ovale, and malariae.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Rheumatoid arthritis","description":"Helps reduce pain and inflammation" class="semantic-link" title="Medicines for swelling">swelling and may slow joint damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Systemic lupus erythematosus","description":"Reduces flares, skin lesions, and joint pain in lupus patients.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Sjögren's syndrome","description":"May relieve dry eyes and mouth and reduce fatigue and joint pain.","evidence":"Moderate"},{"condition":"Porphyria cutanea tarda","description":"Can reduce skin blistering and liver enzyme abnormalities.","evidence":"Limited"}]

Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Q fever","description":"Sometimes used as part of combination therapy for chronic Q fever.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Sarcoidosis","description":"May be used to treat skin and joint symptoms of sarcoidosis.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Antiphospholipid syndrome","description":"May reduce the risk of blood clots in some patients.","evidence":"Limited"}]

Primary treatment for: Malaria

Also treats: Rheumatoid arthritis, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's syndrome

📋 Drug Information

Generic Name(s)Hydroxychloroquine (400mg)
Brand Nameq-rado 400mg tablet
ManufacturerEl-Dorado Bio-Tech Pvt Ltd
Packaging / FormVaries by brand (Allopathy)
Therapeutic ClassPAIN ANALGESICS
Action ClassDisease Modifying Anti-Rheumatoid Drugs (DMARDs)- Non biologics
Route of AdministrationOral
StorageStore at room temperature (15-30°C) in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep in the original container.
Shelf Life24 months from the date of manufacture.
WHO GuidelineHydroxychloroquine is recommended by the World Health Organization for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in areas where the parasite is susceptible. It is also used for autoimmune diseases per specialist guidelines.
ICMR GuidelineThe Indian Council of Medical Research recommends hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria and for certain autoimmune conditions, with regular monitoring.

👨‍⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips

Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians

1
Take this medicine with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.
2
Have a baseline eye examination and then regular eye check-ups as advised.
3
Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor.
4
Inform your doctor if you experience any vision changes, muscle weakness, or irregular heartbeat.
5
Use effective contraception during treatment and consult your doctor if you plan to become pregnant.
6
Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine to reduce the risk of liver problems.
7
Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly if you have diabetes.

🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?

Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.

Fever and chills
This medicine is commonly prescribed for malaria.
Likely Use
Joint pain and swelling
This medicine is used for rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Likely Use
Skin rash
This medicine is used for lupus-related skin rash.
Likely Use
Common cold
This medicine is not a treatment for viral infections.
Not Primary

🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)

Pharmacokinetics

AbsorptionHydroxychloroquine is rapidly and almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. The bioavailability is approximately 74%.
DistributionIt has a large volume of distribution (approximately 5,000-10,000 L) and is extensively distributed into tissues, including the liver, spleen, kidney, lung, and melanin-containing tissues such as the eye and skin.
Protein BindingApproximately 45% of hydroxychloroquine is bound to plasma proteins.
MetabolismHydroxychloroquine is partially metabolized in the liver by cytochrome P450 enzymes, primarily CYP2D6, CYP3A4, and CYP2C8, to active metabolites including desethylhydroxychloroquine.
Half-LifeThe elimination half-life of hydroxychloroquine is long, ranging from 20 to 60 days, with a terminal half-life of up to 40-50 days.
ExcretionHydroxychloroquine and its metabolites are primarily excreted in the urine (approximately 20-25% unchanged) and in the feces. Renal clearance is about 3 L/h.
BioavailabilityThe oral bioavailability of hydroxychloroquine is approximately 74%.
Onset of ActionFor malaria treatment, the onset of action is within hours to days. For autoimmune diseases, the full therapeutic effect may take several weeks to months (typically 6-12 weeks).
Peak Plasma TimePeak plasma concentrations are reached approximately 1-2 hours after oral administration.
Duration of ActionThe duration of action is prolonged due to the long half-life, with effects lasting for weeks after discontinuation.

How It Works

Hydroxychloroquine works by accumulating in acidic cellular compartments such as lysosomes and endosomes. In malaria, it interferes with the parasite's ability to break down hemoglobin, leading to toxic accumulation of heme and parasite death. In autoimmune diseases, it reduces the activation of immune cells, decreases the production of inflammatory cytokines, and stabilizes lysosomal membranes, thereby reducing inflammation and tissue damage.

Mechanism Steps

1
Accumulation in acidic compartments: Hydroxychloroquine is a weak base that concentrates in acidic organelles like lysosomes and endosomes.
2
Interference with hemoglobin digestion: In malaria parasites, it prevents the digestion of hemoglobin, causing toxic heme accumulation that kills the parasite.
3
Immune modulation: In autoimmune diseases, it reduces antigen presentation, cytokine production, and immune cell activation, leading to decreased inflammation.
4
Lysosomal stabilization: It stabilizes lysosomal membranes, reducing the release of inflammatory enzymes.

💡 How to Take q-rado 400mg tablet

Strength: 400 mg immediate-release tablet

1Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
2Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
3Take with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.
4Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet unless instructed.
5Take at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels.
6Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor.

Dosage Information

Adult DosageThe dose of this medicine must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on the indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. For malaria treatment, a common regimen is 800 mg initially, followed by 400 mg at 6, 24, and 48 hours. For malaria prevention, 400 mg once weekly. For autoimmune diseases, 200-400 mg daily. Always follow your doctor's prescription.
Pediatric DosagePediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician.
Elderly DosageElderly patients may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine, especially retinal toxicity and cardiac effects. Dose should be individualized by a clinician.
Renal ImpairmentDose adjustment may be needed in patients with severe renal impairment. Consult your doctor.
Hepatic ImpairmentDose adjustment may be needed in patients with hepatic impairment. Consult your doctor.
Maximum Daily DoseThe maximum daily dose should not exceed 400 mg unless otherwise directed by a doctor.

Dosage Timeline

🌅 Morning ❌ ☀️ Afternoon ❌ 🌆 Evening ❌ 🌙 Night ❌

🍽️ Food Timing Guide

With food
Take with meals
Reduces stomach upset.
Grapefruit
Avoid
May increase drug levels.

⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose

📌 Less than half the dosing interval has passed
→ Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
💡 Continue with the regular schedule.
📌 More than half the dosing interval has passed
→ Skip the missed dose.
💡 Do not double dose to catch up.

⚠️ Side Effects of q-rado 400mg tablet

✅ Common Side Effects

Nausea (Common (5-10%))
Take with food or milk. If persistent, consult your doctor.
Vomiting (Common (5-10%))
Take with food. Stay hydrated. Consult doctor if severe.
Stomach pain (Common (5-10%))
Take with food. Avoid alcohol. Consult doctor if persistent.
Headache (Common (5-10%))
Rest and hydrate. Consult doctor if severe or persistent.
Dizziness (Common (5-10%))
Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
Blurred vision (Common (5-10%))
Report to your doctor. May need eye examination.

🚨 Serious Side Effects

Retinopathy (Rare (<0.1%))
Seek immediate medical attention if you notice vision changes, such as difficulty reading, seeing lights, or color vision changes.
Cardiomyopathy (Rare (<0.1%))
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or swelling in legs.
Severe hypoglycemia (Rare (<0.1%))
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience confusion, sweating, shakiness, or rapid heartbeat.
Severe allergic reactions (Rare (<0.1%))
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience rash, itching, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing.
Blood disorders (Rare (<0.1%))
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience unusual bleeding, bruising, or signs of infection.

⚠️ Rare Side Effects

Hepatotoxicity
Seek immediate medical attention if you notice yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe abdominal pain.
Myopathy
Report muscle weakness or pain to your doctor.
Seizures
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience seizures.

Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.

🔬 Drug Interactions

Drug Severity Effect
Digoxin Major
Methotrexate Major
Insulin Major
Amiodarone Major
Antacids Moderate
Cimetidine Moderate
Rifampicin Moderate
Ampicillin Minor
Neostigmine Minor
Warfarin Moderate

🚨 Major Interactions

  • Digoxin
  • Methotrexate
  • Antidiabetic drugs (e.g., insulin, sulfonylureas)
  • QT-prolonging drugs (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol, azithromycin)

⚡ Moderate Interactions

  • Antacids
  • Cimetidine
  • Rifampicin

🍷 Alcohol Interaction

Alcohol may increase the risk of liver problems and stomach bleeding. It is advisable to avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.

🔎 Check Your Other Medicines

Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.

🛡️ Safety & Warnings

🚫 Contraindications

["Hypersensitivity to hydroxychloroquine or any component of the formulation","Pre-existing retinopathy or visual field changes attributable to hydroxychloroquine","Use in patients with a history of severe cardiac arrhythmias","Concurrent use with QT-prolonging drugs (relative contraindication)"]

⚠️ Warnings & Precautions

["Perform baseline and periodic ophthalmologic examinations to detect retinal toxicity.","Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney disease; dose adjustment may be needed.","Monitor blood glucose closely in patients with diabetes; hydroxychloroquine may cause hypoglycemia.","May cause QT prolongation; use with caution in patients with cardiac disease or electrolyte imbalances.","Avoid in patients with known G6PD deficiency due to risk of hemolysis.","Do not use for long-term treatment without regular monitoring.","Inform patients about the risk of visual disturbances and the need to report them promptly."]

🤱 Lactation Safety

Hydroxychloroquine passes into breast milk in small amounts. It is generally considered safe during breastfeeding, but consult your doctor before use.

💊 Overdose Management

Overdose of hydroxychloroquine can be life-threatening, causing severe cardiac toxicity, hypotension, and seizures. Seek immediate medical attention. Treatment is supportive and may include activated charcoal, mechanical ventilation, and medications to support blood pressure and heart rhythm. Hemodialysis is not effective.

⏰ Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Additional Safety Advice

General Safety

Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than the recommended dose. Take with food or milk to reduce stomach upset. Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine as it may increase the risk of liver problems. Inform your doctor if you have a history of eye disease, heart problems, liver or kidney disease, or blood disorders. Regular eye check-ups are essential, especially if you are on long-term therapy. Use effective contraception during treatment and consult your doctor if you plan to become pregnant. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you experience dizziness or blurred vision. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.

👴 Special Considerations for Elderly

💡 For Patients Above 65

Elderly patients are at higher risk of retinal toxicity and cardiac side effects. Regular monitoring is essential.

🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)

If you are planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor. This medicine is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but the dose may need adjustment.

🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations

Inform your surgeon that you are taking this medicine. It may affect wound healing and increase the risk of bleeding.

🦷 Dental Procedures

Inform your dentist that you are taking this medicine. It may increase the risk of bleeding during dental procedures.

💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results

🏃
Maintain a healthy weight to reduce joint stress.
🥗
Regular low-impact exercise like swimming.
😴
Practice good posture.
💧
Include anti-inflammatory foods in your diet.
🧘
Get adequate sleep.
🌞
Stay hydrated.
🚭
Avoid smoking and alcohol.

🏋️ Exercise Considerations

If you experience muscle weakness or pain, avoid strenuous exercise and consult your doctor. Low-impact exercises like walking and swimming are generally safe.

🥗 Diet Recommendations

Include omega-3 rich foods
Reduce processed food intake
Stay well hydrated
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables

💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life

This medicine may cause dizziness or blurred vision, which can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid these activities until you know how the medicine affects you.

🛑 When to Stop This Medicine

Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor. If you experience serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor may adjust the dose or switch to another medicine.

📅 Long-Term Use Effects

Long-term use of this medicine can increase the risk of retinal toxicity, which may be irreversible. Regular eye examinations are essential. It can also cause muscle weakness, heart problems, and blood disorders. Monitoring of liver and kidney function is recommended.

🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches

These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.

Physical therapy

Can complement medicine for chronic pain.

Evidence: Well-established
Dietary changes

Anti-inflammatory diet may help reduce symptoms.

Evidence: Moderate

💉 Vaccination Considerations

💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated

This medicine may reduce the immune response to vaccines. Consult your doctor about the timing of vaccinations.

📦 Storage Guide

✅ DO

Store at room temperature (15-30°C)

❌ DON'T

Do not refrigerate unless specified

✅ DO

Keep in original container

❌ DON'T

Do not transfer to unmarked containers

✅ DO

Keep away from direct sunlight

❌ DON'T

Do not store in bathroom cabinet

✈️ Traveling with This Medicine

When traveling, carry this medicine in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription. If you are crossing time zones, adjust your dosing schedule as advised by your doctor. Store it at room temperature and protect it from direct sunlight. Check customs regulations for carrying prescription medicines.

💰 Cost Analysis & Savings

👥 Real Patient Stories

Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.

👤 A 35-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis
She was prescribed this medicine for her joint pain and swelling. After 8 weeks, she noticed significant improvement in her morning stiffness and could perform daily activities with less pain. She regularly gets her eyes checked as advised.
💡 Lesson: Consistent use and regular monitoring can lead to good symptom control.
👤 A 50-year-old man with lupus
He started this medicine for skin rash and joint pain. Within 3 months, his rash cleared and joint pain reduced. He experienced mild nausea initially, which subsided after taking it with food.
💡 Lesson: Taking the medicine with food helps reduce gastrointestinal side effects.

💬 Questions Patients Often Ask

Q: How long does it take to work?

A: For malaria, it starts working within hours to days. For autoimmune diseases, it may take 6-12 weeks to see full effect.

Q: Can I take it with food?

A: Yes, take it with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.

Q: What should I avoid while taking this medicine?

A: Avoid alcohol and grapefruit. Also, avoid driving if you feel dizzy.

🤔 Common Patient Concerns

💭 These are the concerns patients most commonly raise

  • Can I take this medicine long-term?
  • Will it affect my kidney function?
  • Can I drive after taking this medicine?
  • Does it interact with my blood pressure medicine?
  • What if I miss a dose?
  • Can I drink alcohol while taking this?

🔄 Substitutes for q-rado 400mg tablet

View All

Alternative brands with exact same active ingredient:

Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.

🛑 Myths vs. Facts

  • Myth: Hydroxychloroquine is a cure for COVID-19.
    Fact: Hydroxychloroquine is not approved for the treatment of COVID-19. Clinical trials have not shown consistent benefit.
  • Myth: Hydroxychloroquine is safe for everyone.
    Fact: It can cause serious side effects, especially with long-term use, and is not suitable for people with certain eye or heart conditions.
  • Myth: You can stop taking hydroxychloroquine once you feel better.
    Fact: You should complete the full course as prescribed, especially for malaria, to prevent recurrence.

🔄 Alternative Options

Generic Alternatives

  • Hydroxychloroquine sulfate 400 mg tablet

Brand Alternatives

  • HCQS 400 Tablet
  • Zy-Q 400 Tablet
  • Hydroxychloroquine 400 mg Tablet

📊 Comparison with Similar Medicines

[{"medicine":"Hydroxychloroquine","class":"Antimalarial, DMARD","main_uses":"Malaria, RA, SLE","route":"Oral"},{"medicine":"Chloroquine","class":"Antimalarial","main_uses":"Malaria, RA","route":"Oral"},{"medicine":"Methotrexate","class":"DMARD","main_uses":"RA, psoriasis","route":"Oral, injection"}]

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