Major Research Findings

Hydroxychloroquine is a common drug used to treat autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma. 10 , 5 . However, hydroxychloroquine can cause side effects such as retinopathy, cardiotoxicity, gastrointestinal disorders, and neuromuscular disorders. 8 , 13 , 6 . This study reviewed multiple papers on the side effects of hydroxychloroquine, discussing their mechanisms, symptoms, countermeasures, and future research directions.

Reasons for Side Effects

Side effects of hydroxychloroquine are mainly caused by the drug accumulating in cells and damaging intracellular organelles, especially lysosomes. 13 . Lysosomes are cellular organelles that hold digestive enzymes within cells, and hydroxychloroquine is believed to alter the permeability of the lysosomal membrane, causing digestive enzymes to be released into the cell and destroy it. 13 .

Common Side Effects

Retinopathy

Hydroxychloroquine can damage retinal cells, leading to vision impairment and even blindness. 8 , 11 . Symptoms of retinopathy include blurred vision, loss of peripheral vision, and changes in color perception. 8 . The risk of retinopathy increases with factors such as the dose and duration of hydroxychloroquine use, age, and genetic predisposition. 8 .

Cardiotoxicity

Hydroxychloroquine can inhibit the electrical activity of the heart, potentially causing arrhythmias and cardiac arrest. 6 . Symptoms of cardiotoxicity include palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, and chest pain. 6 . The risk of cardiotoxicity increases with factors such as the dose and duration of hydroxychloroquine use, age, and pre-existing conditions. 6 .

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Hydroxychloroquine can irritate the stomach lining, leading to gastrointestinal disorders such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. 11 . The risk of gastrointestinal disorders increases with factors such as the dose and timing of hydroxychloroquine use, and its relationship to meals. 11 .

Neuromuscular Disorders

Hydroxychloroquine can inhibit muscle function, leading to neuromuscular disorders such as muscle pain, weakness, and paralysis. 6 . The risk of neuromuscular disorders increases with factors such as the dose and duration of hydroxychloroquine use, age, and pre-existing conditions. 6 .

Countermeasures for Side Effects

Retinopathy

Regular eye examinations by an ophthalmologist are crucial to prevent retinopathy. 8 . During these exams, any retinal abnormalities can be detected early, allowing for timely treatment. 8 . If symptoms of retinopathy appear, seek immediate medical attention. 8 .

Cardiotoxicity

To prevent cardiotoxicity, it's essential to consult with a physician about adjusting the dose and duration of hydroxychloroquine use if you have pre-existing conditions such as heart disease. 6 . If symptoms of cardiotoxicity appear, seek immediate medical attention. 6 .

Gastrointestinal Disorders

To prevent gastrointestinal disorders, consider taking hydroxychloroquine with food or adjusting the time of administration. 11 . If symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders appear, consult with a physician. 11 .

Neuromuscular Disorders

Adjusting the dose and duration of hydroxychloroquine use may be necessary to prevent neuromuscular disorders. 6 . If symptoms of neuromuscular disorders appear, seek immediate medical attention. 6 .

Comparison Between Studies

Commonalities Among Studies

Several studies have shown that hydroxychloroquine can cause side effects such as retinopathy, cardiotoxicity, and gastrointestinal disorders. 8 , 13 , 6 . The risk of these side effects is also commonly associated with factors such as the dose and duration of hydroxychloroquine use, age, and pre-existing conditions. 8 , 13 , 6 .

Differences Among Studies

There are differences in the incidence, severity, and risk factors for side effects across studies. 8 , 13 , 6 . This is likely due to differences in the study populations, methods, and evaluation criteria. 8 , 13 , 6 .

Cautions for Application in Real Life

Hydroxychloroquine is an effective drug for treating autoimmune diseases, but the risk of side effects must be considered. 10 . When taking hydroxychloroquine, it's crucial to follow your doctor's instructions and undergo regular examinations. 8 . Also, if any side effects occur, consult your doctor immediately. 8 .

Limitations of Current Research

There is still not enough research on the side effects of hydroxychloroquine. 8 , 13 , 6 . Further research is needed, especially on long-term side effects and the incidence and severity of side effects based on individual differences. 8 , 13 , 6 .

Future Research Directions

To gain a deeper understanding of the side effects of hydroxychloroquine, the following research is considered necessary. 8 , 13 , 6 .

• Research on long-term side effects
• Research on the incidence and severity of side effects based on individual differences
• Research on the prevention and treatment of side effects
• Research on safe methods of taking hydroxychloroquine

Conclusion

Hydroxychloroquine is an effective drug for treating autoimmune diseases, but it can cause side effects such as retinopathy, cardiotoxicity, and gastrointestinal disorders. 10 , 8 , 13 , 6 . When taking hydroxychloroquine, it's crucial to follow your doctor's instructions and undergo regular examinations. 8 . Also, if any side effects occur, consult your doctor immediately. 8 . It is hoped that further research on the side effects of hydroxychloroquine will lead to safer and more effective use of the drug. 8 , 13 , 6 .