Is hydroxychloroquine the same as chloroquine?
Is hydroxychloroquine the same as chloroquine?
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Chloroquine is a medication that is taken to prevent or treat malaria, which is transmitted by mosquitoes bites. It's also used to treat some intestinal infections. On the other hand, hydroxychloroquine is a medication that is also taken to prevent and treat malaria, but it can also treat other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Both of these medications are antimalarials, but hydroxychloroquine is a newer, slightly altered version of chloroquine that has fewer side effects and dissolves more easily in the body, so it is often considered a safer medication for patients to take. Despite recent media coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, neither chloroquine nor hydroxychloroquine are approved treatments against COVID-19. Several research studies conducted around the world have demonstrated that hydroxychloroquine is likely not effective against COVID-19.
Chloroquine is a medication that is taken to prevent or treat malaria, which is transmitted by mosquitoes bites. It's also used to treat some intestinal infections. On the other hand, hydroxychloroquine is a medication that is also taken to prevent and treat malaria, but it can also treat other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Both of these medications are antimalarials, but hydroxychloroquine is a newer, slightly altered version of chloroquine that has fewer side effects and dissolves more easily in the body, so it is often considered a safer medication for patients to take. Despite recent media coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, neither chloroquine nor hydroxychloroquine are approved treatments against COVID-19. Several research studies conducted around the world have demonstrated that hydroxychloroquine is likely not effective against COVID-19.
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What our experts say
Chloroquine is a medication that is taken to prevent or treat malaria, which is transmitted by mosquitoes bites. It's also used to treat some intestinal infections. On the other hand, hydroxychloroquine is a medication that is also taken to prevent and treat malaria, but it can also treat other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Both of these medications are antimalarials, but hydroxychloroquine is a newer, slightly altered version of chloroquine that has fewer side effects and dissolves more easily in the body, so it is often considered a safer medication for patients to take.
Despite recent media coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, neither chloroquine nor hydroxychloroquine are approved treatments against COVID-19. Several research studies conducted around the world have demonstrated that hydroxychloroquine is likely not effective against COVID-19.
Chloroquine is a medication that is taken to prevent or treat malaria, which is transmitted by mosquitoes bites. It's also used to treat some intestinal infections. On the other hand, hydroxychloroquine is a medication that is also taken to prevent and treat malaria, but it can also treat other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Both of these medications are antimalarials, but hydroxychloroquine is a newer, slightly altered version of chloroquine that has fewer side effects and dissolves more easily in the body, so it is often considered a safer medication for patients to take.
Despite recent media coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, neither chloroquine nor hydroxychloroquine are approved treatments against COVID-19. Several research studies conducted around the world have demonstrated that hydroxychloroquine is likely not effective against COVID-19.
Context and background
Many medications are sometimes considered as a treatment for illnesses that are different than those for which they were originally created (also called repurposing medications). Research studies are trying to see if any existing medication might help treat COVID-19, including hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine. Recently, both these medications have been in the news due to several national leaders and various groups claiming that these medications can prevent, treat and even cure COVID-19. The research around hydroxychloroquine and choloroquine to date has shown no efficacy of these medications against COVID-19. This is based on randomized controlled trials (the most scientifically strong and valued type of research trials). More studies are underway to learn more about the potential impact of these drugs on COVID-19. As of now, both medicines are not proven nor approved treatments for the coronavirus.
Many medications are sometimes considered as a treatment for illnesses that are different than those for which they were originally created (also called repurposing medications). Research studies are trying to see if any existing medication might help treat COVID-19, including hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine. Recently, both these medications have been in the news due to several national leaders and various groups claiming that these medications can prevent, treat and even cure COVID-19. The research around hydroxychloroquine and choloroquine to date has shown no efficacy of these medications against COVID-19. This is based on randomized controlled trials (the most scientifically strong and valued type of research trials). More studies are underway to learn more about the potential impact of these drugs on COVID-19. As of now, both medicines are not proven nor approved treatments for the coronavirus.
Resources
- Medicines for the Prevention of Malaria While Traveling Chloroquine (Aralen™) (U.S. CDC)
- Medicines for the Prevention of Malaria While Traveling Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil™) (U.S. CDC)
- Hydroxychloroquine, a less toxic derivative of chloroquine, is effective in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro (Nature)
- Don’t Fall for This Video: Hydroxychloroquine Is Not a COVID-19 Cure (KHN)
- Medicines for the Prevention of Malaria While Traveling Chloroquine (Aralen™) (U.S. CDC)
- Medicines for the Prevention of Malaria While Traveling Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil™) (U.S. CDC)
- Hydroxychloroquine, a less toxic derivative of chloroquine, is effective in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro (Nature)
- Don’t Fall for This Video: Hydroxychloroquine Is Not a COVID-19 Cure (KHN)
