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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is HCQS Safe To In Higher Dosages?

Dear Doctor, I would like to visit the jungle here in Peru where I m vacationing. However, I didn t bring malaria pills and the only pills I can buy locally are HCQS. I need to start taking them two weeks prior to visiting the jungle and that s a problem for me, since I want to go now. Can I start by taking a larger doses the day before I go? Best Susanne
Thu, 21 May 2020
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

It is not safe in higher doses. As per the CDC for the prevention of sensitive malaria HCQS is given in the dose of 400 mg per week starting at least 1 week before traveling to the area where malaria transmission is common. And it should be continued as one dose per week while there, and for 4 consecutive weeks after coming back to home country.

Taking HCQS in higher doses can cause myopathies, myasthenia-like syndrome, irreversible retinal damage (blindness), low blood pressure, arrhythmias, and convulsions which can be fatal.

Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali, General & Family Physician
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Is HCQS Safe To In Higher Dosages?

Hi, It is not safe in higher doses. As per the CDC for the prevention of sensitive malaria HCQS is given in the dose of 400 mg per week starting at least 1 week before traveling to the area where malaria transmission is common. And it should be continued as one dose per week while there, and for 4 consecutive weeks after coming back to home country. Taking HCQS in higher doses can cause myopathies, myasthenia-like syndrome, irreversible retinal damage (blindness), low blood pressure, arrhythmias, and convulsions which can be fatal. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali, General & Family Physician