Hydroxychloroquine 200 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Rheumatoid arthritis – as a disease-modifying drug to reduce joint pain, swelling and damage; Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus of the skin.
Listed MRPs range from ₹3.38 to ₹6.84 per tablet across 8 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydroxychloroquine Tablets IP 200 mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹33.75 | ₹3.38 | 19 October 2026 |
| Hydroquin 200 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd | 10 | ₹56.47 | ₹5.65 | 19 October 2026 |
| ZY-Q 200 | Zydus Cadila | 30 | ₹201.18 | ₹6.71 | 19 October 2026 |
| Hetq 200 | Hetero Healthcare Limited | 10 | ₹67.69 | ₹6.77 | 19 October 2026 |
| OxcQ 200 | Wallace Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd | 10 | ₹67.83 | ₹6.78 | 19 October 2026 |
| Qdmrd 200 | Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹67.93 | ₹6.79 | 19 October 2026 |
| Hqtor 200 | Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹68.29 | ₹6.83 | 19 October 2026 |
| HCQS 200 | Ipca Laboratories Ltd | 15 | ₹102.53 | ₹6.84 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Rheumatoid arthritis – as a disease-modifying drug to reduce joint pain, swelling and damage.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus of the skin.
- Some other autoimmune and sun-triggered skin conditions, under a specialist.
- Malaria prevention or treatment in areas where the parasite is still sensitive (chloroquine-sensitive).
How to take it
Take it with a meal or a glass of milk to reduce stomach upset, once or twice a day as prescribed, swallowed whole with water. For arthritis and lupus it takes several weeks to months to work, so keep taking it even if you do not notice a change at first; treatment usually continues for years. Your doctor will base the dose on your body weight. Because long-term use can rarely damage the retina, you need an eye examination at the start and then regularly (usually yearly after 5 years, or sooner if you have risk factors).
Side effects
Common
- Nausea, stomach pain, diarrhoea, loss of appetite.
- Headache.
- Itchy skin rash, darkening of skin.
- Blurred vision at the start (usually settles).
- Mood changes.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Persistent blurred vision, trouble seeing colours, light sensitivity or blind spots – possible retinal damage; stop and see an eye doctor.
- Irregular heartbeat, fainting.
- Severe skin reaction with blisters or peeling.
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine; very low blood sugar; muscle weakness.
Safety information
Alcohol
There is no direct interaction, but alcohol adds to liver strain and stomach upset. Keep it moderate.
Pregnancy
Can be continued in pregnancy and breastfeeding for lupus or arthritis when needed – stopping can cause a flare. Your doctor will use the lowest effective dose.
Kidney problems
Used with caution in kidney disease; a lower dose may be needed.
Liver problems
Use with caution in liver disease; liver tests may be checked.
Children
Used in children with juvenile arthritis or lupus under a specialist, with weight-based dosing.
Missed dose
Take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is nearly due, then skip it. Do not double up.
Interactions
- Antacids and indigestion remedies – take at least 4 hours apart; they reduce absorption.
- Medicines that affect heart rhythm – azithromycin, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, amiodarone, some antidepressants and antipsychotics – higher risk of irregular heartbeat.
- Diabetes medicines (metformin, glimepiride, insulin) – hydroxychloroquine can lower blood sugar further.
- Digoxin – levels may rise.
- Epilepsy medicines – may work less well.
- Methotrexate and other DMARDs – commonly combined under a rheumatologist, with regular blood tests.
Frequently asked questions
HCQS 200 before or after food?
After food or with a glass of milk, to avoid nausea and stomach pain. Take it at the same time each day.
How long does HCQS 200 take to work for arthritis?
Usually 4 to 12 weeks, sometimes longer, because it modifies the disease rather than just easing pain. Keep taking it; your rheumatologist will review progress.
Does HCQS 200 affect the eyes?
Rarely, long-term use can damage the retina. You need an eye check when you start and regular checks afterwards. Report persistent blurring, colour-vision changes or blind spots immediately.
Is HCQS 200 safe in pregnancy?
Yes, it is usually continued in pregnancy and breastfeeding for lupus and arthritis, because a disease flare is riskier than the medicine. Do not stop without talking to your doctor.
Can I take HCQS 200 with alcohol?
There is no specific interaction, but alcohol can worsen stomach upset and liver strain. Keep it moderate.
HCQS 200 vs HCQS 400 – which dose do I need?
The dose is based on body weight, usually not more than 5 mg per kg per day. Your rheumatologist decides; higher doses increase the risk to the eyes.
Can hydroxychloroquine be used to prevent COVID-19 or viral infections?
No. Large trials found no benefit, and it can cause heart rhythm problems. Use it only for the conditions your doctor has prescribed it for.
Can HCQS 200 be taken with antacids?
Keep a gap of at least 4 hours. Antacids reduce the absorption of hydroxychloroquine.
Sources
- NHS – Hydroxychloroquine (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms