HCQ

Medical abbreviation · Drug

HCQ
Stands forHydroxychloroquine
CategoriesMedical

HCQ stands for Hydroxychloroquine, a drug abbreviation.

Antimalarial drug widely used for lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren syndrome, as well as malaria prevention. Brand name Plaquenil. It is a cornerstone of lupus treatment because it reduces flares and improves survival.

Example: HCQ 400 mg daily (under 5 mg/kg actual body weight); baseline eye exam done.

Usage notes

Long-term use can damage the retina, so the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a baseline exam and yearly screening after five years, with doses kept at or below 5 mg/kg of real body weight. The FDA briefly authorized it for COVID-19 in March 2020 and revoked the authorization in June 2020 after trials showed no benefit.

More drug abbreviations

  • GHB – Gamma-hydroxybutyrate
  • GM-CSF – Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor
  • GTN – Glyceryl trinitrate (nitroglycerin)
  • HBIG – Hepatitis B immune globulin
  • HC – Hydrocortisone
  • HCl – Hydrochloride
  • HCT – Hydrocortisone
  • HCTZ – Hydrochlorothiazide
  • HQ – Hydroquinone
  • IFN – Interferon
  • INH – Isoniazid
  • ISDN – Isosorbide dinitrate

See all 170 drug abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.