The Role of Hydroxychloroquine in Chronic Management of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Review

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that presents with a variety of clinical symptoms and unpredictable flare-ups. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), an immunomodulatory antimalarial drug, is crucial for the long-term treatment of SLE. Examining the pharmacology, therapeutic role, safety profile, mechanism of action, and novel applications of HCQ in adult and paediatric SLE populations, including during pregnancy, is the aim of this review. A detailed literature review was carried out using PubMed and indexed sources to evaluate clinical trials, pharmacologic studies, and expert recommendations related to HCQ in SLE. HCQ offers metabolic and cardiovascular benefits, reduces disease activity, avoids flare-ups, and enhances pregnancy outcomes. It has a great safety profile, notwithstanding retinal toxicity and subtherapeutic exposure problems. Blood level monitoring and dosage modifications are essential for ensuring safety and efficacy, especially in unique groups. Because of its many advantages and safety, hydro chloroquine is still a mainstay treatment for SLE. However, more study is required in the areas of combination therapy, paediatric pharmacokinetics, individualized dosing, and therapeutic drug monitoring.