ZY Q contains Hydroxychloroquine which belongs to the group of medicines called Antimalarials or Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs). It is used to manage malarial infection. Malaria is a parasitic infection caused by the plasmodium parasite, which spreads in blood by the bite of an infectious mosquito. It is characterized by symptoms such as fever, chills, sweating, headache, nausea, vomiting, body pain and general discomfort. It is also used to manage rheumatoid arthritis, discoid and systemic lupus erythematosus in adults and manages juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children. Also, it is used to manage skin problems (which are sensitive to sunlight). It is used in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control of patients on metformin and sulfonylurea combination.
Rheumatoid arthritis, discoid and systemic lupus erythematosus is an inflammatory autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks its own body cells. It is generalized by symptoms such as painful swelling, stiffness, swelling, tenderness or weakness of bone joints, weakness, fever, skin rashes and anemia. ZY Q is not recommended for use in patients with maculopathy or retinal disorder of the eye and changes in eye color, etc. Your doctor may recommend you to take relevant tests to understand your existing condition.
Before taking ZY Q inform your doctor if you have heart disease, psoriasis or porphyria, blood disorders (such as aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis, leukopenia or thrombocytopenia) glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, psychological disorders, abnormal blood sugar levels. ZY Q should be used with caution in pregnant and breastfeeding women only if advised by the doctor. ZY Q should be used with caution in children and elderly patients (aged 65 years and above). The most common side effects of taking ZY Q are nausea, vomiting, loose stools, stomach pain, headache, loss of appetite and skin rashes. Consult your doctor if any of the side effects worsen.
ZY Q works by increasing the potential of Hydrogen (pH) in a cell which disrupts the survival of infectious organisms and it also decreases the release of inflammatory enzymes. As a result, ZY Q manages malarial infections in children and adults, it also manages rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus in adults.
Always take ZY Q as directed by your physician. Swallow the medicine as a whole with a glass of water and do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose, duration and frequency for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease conditions.
Stop taking ZY Q and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
Eat when you are hungry. Eat smaller meals more often than usual. Snack only when you're hungry. Eat a nutritious snack that is rich in calories and protein, such as dried fruit and nuts. Consult your doctor immediately if the symptoms worsen or persist.
Stick to simple meals while taking this medicine. Avoid eating oily rich, fried or spicy foods. Do not lie down or sleep immediately after eating. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.
Avoid hot showers because hot water can irritate your skin further. Do not scratch the affected area. Use protective clothing when going outdoors. Regularly moisturize your skin. Consult your doctor if the symptom worsens.
Try to rest and relax. Eat and drink slowly or try to have smaller meals more frequently. Keep a heat pad on your stomach. If the symptom does not improve, consult your doctor.
ZY Q should be used with caution in pregnant women if recommended by your doctor. Inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant while taking ZY Q.
ZY Q should be used with caution in breastfeeding women only if recommended by your doctor as it can pass through the breast milk. Consult your doctor before taking ZY Q.
Do not drive or operate any machines if you experience blurred vision or any eye problems while taking ZY Q.
ZY Q should be taken with caution in patients with kidneys problems. Consult your doctor before taking ZY Q.
ZY Q should be taken with caution in patients with liver problems. Consult your doctor for advice before taking ZY Q.
Do not take ZY Q if you are allergic to Hydroxychloroquine, similar medicines such as quinolones (Ex. chloroquine) and quinine or any other ingredients of this medicine.
ZY Q should be taken with caution in patients with heart disease (such as cardiomyopathy, abnormal heartbeat, long QT syndrome) or have a history of heart attack. Consult your doctor before taking ZY Q.
ZY Q should be used with caution in children. Your child’s doctor will decide the dose, duration of management and its frequency depending upon the child’s age, body weight, severities of disease and other disease conditions.
ZY Q should be taken with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years and above). Consult your doctor before taking ZY Q.
ZY Q is not recommended for use if you:
Before taking ZY Q, inform your physician if you:
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
Before taking ZY Q, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally takes more of ZY Q, consult your doctor immediately or visit a nearby hospital immediately if the symptoms worsen. The symptoms may include abnormal or low blood pressure, low potassium levels in the blood, abnormal heartbeat, depression, seizures, impaired vision, transient blindness, cardiac arrest, coma or death.
Drug | : | Hydroxychloroquine |
Pharmacological Category | : | Antimalarials or Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs |
Therapeutic Indication | : | To manage malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, discoid and systemic lupus erythematosus, skin problems |
Dosage Forms | : | Tablet, Cream |
A: ZY Q should be used with caution in pregnant women only if advised by the doctor. Consult your doctor for advice before taking ZY Q. Inform your doctor if you are planning or doubt if you are pregnant.
A: The most common side effects of taking ZY Q are nausea, vomiting, loose stools, stomach pain, headache, loss of appetite and skin rashes. Consult your doctor if any of the side effects worsen.
A: ZY Q should be used with caution in patients with diabetes. Inform your doctor if you have diabetes and taking medicines to manage the condition such as insulin, sulfonylureas such as glimepiride, meglitinide, thiazolidinediones such as pioglitazone, metformin, etc. ZY Q can lower the blood sugar levels. Consult your doctor if the symptoms worsen or persist.
A: Though the symptoms of your disease subside, do not stop taking ZY Q unless recommended by your doctor as the disease and its symptoms may worsen back again. Consult your doctor for advice.
A: If you forget to take a dose of ZY Q on time, take it as soon as you remember. However, skip the missing dose if it’s time for the next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
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