-Plaquenil

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Hi ,

This is what rxlist.com says about plaquenil dosage:

The compound is cumulative in action and will require several weeks to

exert its beneficial therapeutic effects, whereas minor side effects

may occur relatively early. Several months of therapy may be required

before maximum effects can be obtained. If objective improvement (such

as reduced joint swelling, increased mobility) does not occur within

six months, the drug should be discontinued. Safe use of the drug in

the treatment of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis has not been established.

Initial dosage: In adults, from 400 mg to 600 mg (= 310 mg to 465 mg

base) daily, each dose to be taken with a meal or a glass of milk. In

a small percentage of patients, troublesome side effects may require

temporary reduction of the initial dosage. Later (usually from five to

ten days), the dose may gradually be increased to the optimum response

level often without return of side effects.

Maintenance dosage: When a good response is obtained (usually in four

to twelve weeks), the dosage is reduced by 50 percent and continued at

a usual maintenance level of 200 mg to 400 mg (= 155 mg to 310 mg

base) daily, each dose to be taken with a meal or a glass of milk. The

incidence of retinopathy has been reported to be higher when this

maintenance dose is exceeded.

Should a relapse occur after medication is withdrawn, therapy may be

resumed or continued on an intermittent schedule if there are no

ocular contraindications.

Corticosteroids and salicylates may be used in conjunction with this

compound, and they can generally be decreased gradually in dosage or

eliminated after the drug has been used for several weeks. When

gradual reduction of steroid dosage is indicated, it may be done by

reducing every four to five days the dose of cortisone by no more than

from 5 mg to 15 mg; of hydrocortisone from 5 mg to 10 mg; of

prednisolone and prednisone from 1 mg to 2.5 mg; of methylprednisolone

and triamcinolone from 1 mg to 2 mg; and of dexamethasone from 0.25 mg

to 0.5 mg.

http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/hquine_ids.htm

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> i am done with my withdrawl symptoms. nothing helped the headache but

> it's finally gone. i'm on plaquenil 200 mg 2x/day now for the

> arthritis. is that a normal dose?

> julie

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