Antima

Antima Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Antima is a brand name. Its generic name is Hydroxychloroquine.

Antima

Antima (HCQ) is an antimalarial and anti-inflammatory medication commonly used to treat various autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. It is also used for prevention of malaria due to Plasmodium vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale, and P. knowlesi infections, and can be prescribed for treating lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Uses for Antima

Antima is used to treat autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as malaria. It is sometimes prescribed off-label for other conditions, such as to prevent Alcoholic Hepatitis, or to help in the management of discoid lupus erythematosus.

Mechanism of Action

Antima is known to inhibit certain enzymes which are involved in the biosynthesis of essential components the malaria’s cell membrane. By blocking these enzymes, hydroxychloroquine hinders the growth and life-cycle of the malaria parasite.

How Long Does It Take To Work?

Antima usually takes effect within 4 to 12 weeks after starting treatment, depending on the severity and type of the infection. The effectiveness of the medication can best be seen after at least 8 weeks of treatment.

Absorption, Route of Elimination, and Dosage

Antima is generally well-absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The peak concentration in the blood is usually achieved 1 to 4 hours after oral administration. Its elimination half-life lies between 40 to 50 hours. Antima is eliminated both renally (20-30%) as well as non-renally (80-90%).

In adults, hydroxychloroquine is typically prescribed for the treatment of autoimmune diseases in an initial dose of 400-600 mg per day, given as a single daily dose or divided into two doses. In adults, the weekly dose is typically kept between 400 – 600 mg, and the usual maximum daily dose is 6.5-9 mg/kg/day. For children, the dosage is based on the child's weight.

Administration

Antima is generally administered orally, but can be administered intravenously as well. It should be taken with food or milk to reduce the gastrointestinal side effects. It is important to note that the medication should not be started, stopped, or changed without consulting your doctor.

Side Effects

Antima may cause some common side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, headache, loss of appetite, and rash. More serious side effects may include bone marrow suppression, anemia, tinnitus, loss of vision, and liver and kidney damage. People with pre-existing medical conditions should use this drug with caution.

Toxicity

Overdosing can result in serious toxic effects, like irreversible eye and retinal damage, kidney failure, seizures and abnormal heart rhythms. Toxic side effects can be seen even at low to moderate doses and regular blood tests are sometimes recommended to monitor any potential damage.

Precautions

It is important to talk to your doctor before taking hydroxychloroquine. This drug can cause serious, even life-threatening skin reactions. People with pre-existing medical conditions (e.g., liver or kidney disease, psoriasis, porphyria) should use this drug with caution and should not self-medicate.

Interactions

Antima may interact with many other drugs, especially antacids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), penicillins, and immunosuppressant drugs. Before taking hydroxychloroquine, it is important to talk to your doctor about any current medications that you are taking.

Disease Interaction

Antima can interact with some conditions, such as psychosocial stress and heart failure. It should also be avoided in certain conditions, such as pregnant women, as there is some evidence of potential risk. It is important to talk to your doctor about any pre-existing medical conditions that you may have before taking hydroxychloroquine.

Drug Interaction

Antima can interact with many other drugs, including nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, quinidine, mefloquine, and antacids. It may also interact with certain supplements, such as zinc and calcium. It is important to talk to your doctor about any current medications that you are taking.

Food Interactions

Antima may interact with certain foods, such as alcohol, caffeinated beverages, and grapefruit. It is important to talk to your doctor if you are taking any medications or supplements while taking hydroxychloroquine.

Pregnancy Use

Despite having some anti-malarial benefits, hydroxychloroquine is not typically prescribed during pregnancy due to the potential risk of birth defects and other, unknown, risks to the developing fetus. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should talk to their doctor before taking hydroxychloroquine.

Lactation Use

It is not known if hydroxychloroquine passes into breast milk. Women who are breastfeeding should talk to their doctor before taking hydroxychloroquine.

Acute Overdose

It is important not to take more than the prescribed dose of hydroxychloroquine. An acute overdose could result in dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, blurred vision, convulsions, seizures, arrhythmia, and even death. If you think you have taken too much hydroxychloroquine, seek emergency medical attention.

Contraindication

Antima is contraindicated in certain people, including those with porphyria, retinal disease, certain blood disorders, and individuals who already have an allergic reaction to chloroquine and other 4-aminoquinolines.

Use Direction

It is important to take hydroxychloroquine exactly as prescribed. Do not take this medication for a longer period than recommended. If you are taking hydroxychloroquine for malaria prophylaxis, it is recommended to take it once a week, on the same day each week. If you are taking hydroxychloroquine to treat autoimmune diseases, you should take it once a day.

Storage Conditions

Antima should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from light and moisture. It should be kept out of reach of children and pets.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution for hydroxychloroquine is between 11-17 L/kg.

Half-Life

The elimination half-life of hydroxychloroquine is between 40 to 50 hours.

Clearance

The clearance rate of hydroxychloroquine is 6-10 L/h.

Here you find in details version of Antima

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Antima

What is hydroxychloroquine?

Antima is an antimalarial medication also known as a DMARD (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug). It is used to treat certain types of malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and other autoimmune diseases.

What is chloroquine?

Chloroquine is an antimalarial drug that was previously used to treat malaria, but has since been replaced by newer antimalarial drugs such as hydroxychloroquine.

How does hydroxychloroquine work?

The exact mechanism of action of hydroxychloroquine is unknown. It is thought to act by preventing the immune system from producing chemicals that cause inflammation and pain.

What are the side effects of hydroxychloroquine?

The most common side effects of hydroxychloroquine include nausea, stomach pain, headache, vision changes, dizziness, hair loss, and skin rash.

What conditions is hydroxychloroquine used for?

Antima is used to treat certain types of malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and other autoimmune diseases.

Who should not take hydroxychloroquine?

People who are sensitive to hydroxychloroquine or other antimalarial medicines should not take it. Additionally, people with a history of eye problems, psoriasis, liver or kidney disease, low blood cell counts, or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency should not take hydroxychloroquine.

Is hydroxychloroquine a steroid?

No, hydroxychloroquine is not a steroid. It is an antimalarial medication.

Is hydroxychloroquine an antibiotic?

No, hydroxychloroquine is not an antibiotic. It is an antimalarial medication.

What is the drug hydroxychloroquine used for?

Antima is used to treat certain types of malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and other autoimmune diseases.

Does hydroxychloroquine treat COVID-19?

The effects of hydroxychloroquine on the treatment of COVID-19 remain unproven, and further clinical trials are needed.

How is hydroxychloroquine taken?

Antima is usually taken as a tablet, twice or three times daily with meals.

How long does it take for hydroxychloroquine to work?

It can take up to several months for hydroxychloroquine to take effect.

What is the dosage of hydroxychloroquine?

The usual adult dose of hydroxychloroquine is 400 mg once or twice daily. The dosage may be decreased in people taking other medications, elderly people or people with kidney disease.

What are the common side effects of hydroxychloroquine?

Common side effects of hydroxychloroquine include nausea, stomach pain, headache, vision changes, dizziness, hair loss, and skin rash.

Can hydroxychloroquine be used to treat lupus?

Yes, hydroxychloroquine is used to treat lupus. It is an antimalarial medication that can also reduce inflammation and pain associated with lupus.

Does hydroxychloroquine cause weight gain?

Weight gain is one of the potential side effects of hydroxychloroquine. If you are experiencing any unexplained weight gain while taking hydroxychloroquine, contact your doctor.

Can I drink alcohol while taking hydroxychloroquine?

It is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking hydroxychloroquine, as alcohol may increase the risk of side effects such as nausea, headache, dizziness, and stomach pain.

Is hydroxychloroquine an anti-inflammatory?

Yes, hydroxychloroquine is an anti-inflammatory. It is used to treat inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

What is the difference between hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine?

The main difference between hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine is that hydroxychloroquine is an antimalarial medication, whereas chloroquine is an antimalarial drug that has been replaced by hydroxychloroquine.

Does hydroxychloroquine have long-term side effects?

It is possible to experience long-term side effects from taking hydroxychloroquine, however, these side effects are rare. Common side effects of hydroxychloroquine include nausea, stomach pain, headache, vision changes, dizziness, hair loss, and skin rash.

Is hydroxychloroquine a generic drug?

Yes, hydroxychloroquine is a generic drug. It is available in both brand and generic form.

Is there a generic version of hydroxychloroquine?

Yes, there is a generic version of hydroxychloroquine. It is available in both brand and generic form.

Is hydroxychloroquine safe?

Antima is generally considered to be safe, but it can cause side effects such as nausea, stomach pain, headache, vision changes, dizziness, hair loss, and skin rash. If you experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor.

Does hydroxychloroquine interact with other drugs?

Yes, hydroxychloroquine can interact with other drugs, including antacids, digoxin, and certain antibiotics. Talk to your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking, as there may be interactions that should be avoided.

Can hydroxychloroquine be used for arthritis?

Yes, hydroxychloroquine can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. It is an antimalarial medication that can also reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.

Does hydroxychloroquine help with fatigue?

Antima may help reduce fatigue associated with autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms to determine if hydroxychloroquine is right for you.

How long should I take hydroxychloroquine?

The length of time you need to take hydroxychloroquine will depend on your condition and the severity of your symptoms. It can take up to several months for hydroxychloroquine to take effect, so talk to your doctor if you are unsure how long to take it for.

Can I take ibuprofen with hydroxychloroquine?

It is not recommended to take ibuprofen with hydroxychloroquine as they can interact. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other medications or supplements that can be taken safely with hydroxychloroquine.

Should I take hydroxychloroquine with food?

It is recommended to take hydroxychloroquine with food to reduce the risk of stomach upset. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when taking hydroxychloroquine.

Does hydroxychloroquine cause hair loss?

Yes, hair loss is one of the potential side effects of hydroxychloroquine. If you experience any unexplained hair loss while taking hydroxychloroquine, contact your doctor.

Is hydroxychloroquine an immunosuppressant?

Yes, hydroxychloroquine can act as an immunosuppressant by preventing the immune system from producing chemicals that cause inflammation and pain.

What time of day should I take hydroxychloroquine?

It is generally recommended to take hydroxychloroquine twice daily with meals. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when taking hydroxychloroquine.

Can I take hydroxychloroquine while pregnant?

It is generally not recommended to take hydroxychloroquine during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have.

Can I take hydroxychloroquine while breastfeeding?

It is not recommended to take hydroxychloroquine while breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have.

Can I take aspirin with hydroxychloroquine?

It is not recommended to take aspirin with hydroxychloroquine as they can interact. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other medications or supplements that can be taken safely with hydroxychloroquine.

Does hydroxychloroquine affect blood pressure?

Antima may cause an increase in blood pressure. If you experience any changes in blood pressure while taking hydroxychloroquine, contact your doctor.

Can hydroxychloroquine be used to treat malaria?

Yes, hydroxychloroquine is used to treat certain types of malaria. It is an antimalarial medication that can also reduce inflammation and pain associated with malaria.

Can hydroxychloroquine cause depression?

Depression is one of the potential side effects of hydroxychloroquine. If you experience any symptoms of depression while taking hydroxychloroquine, contact your doctor.

Does hydroxychloroquine cause a rash?

Yes, skin rash is one of the potential side effects of hydroxychloroquine. If you experience any unexplained rash while taking hydroxychloroquine, contact your doctor.

Does hydroxychloroquine cause headaches?

Yes, headaches are one of the potential side effects of hydroxychloroquine. If you experience frequent or persistent headaches while taking hydroxychloroquine, contact your doctor.

Can I take hydroxychloroquine for a cold?

No, hydroxychloroquine is not recommended for use in treating a cold. It is an antimalarial medication used to treat certain types of malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and other autoimmune diseases.