Hydroxychloroquine: An Old Drug With New Tricks

Abstract

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is widely used in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The drug’s origins lie in the preparation of the cinchona bark, which was used for centuries to treat febrile maladies. HCQ is still classified as an antimalarial, though it is rarely used for that purpose¹. In the present era, with many new therapeutics showing promise for improving outcomes in SLE, HCQ nevertheless has retained its central role in treatment, and is recommended for all patients with SLE whenever there are no contraindications to its use.