Hydroxychloroquine therapy in massive total doses without retinal toxicity

Am J Ophthalmol. 1987 Aug 15;104(2):139-44. doi: 10.1016/0002-9394(87)90005-5.

Abstract

To assess the relationship between hydroxychloroquine retinal toxicity and total dose, we selectively reviewed the histories of patients who had received an additive dose exceeding 1,000 g. No retinopathy was found in nine patients treated with massive total hydroxychloroquine doses ranging from 1,054 to 3,923 g. Eight of these patients were taking recommended daily doses of 400 mg/day or less and showed no evidence of toxicity. The remaining patient treated with 600 mg/day showed evidence of preretinopathy in one eye.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy
  • Color Perception
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydroxychloroquine / administration & dosage*
  • Hydroxychloroquine / therapeutic use
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / drug therapy
  • Macula Lutea / metabolism
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pigments, Biological / metabolism
  • Retina / drug effects*
  • Visual Fields

Substances

  • Pigments, Biological
  • Hydroxychloroquine