how do I take double dose of hydroxychloroquine?

[jennylee]

At my latest consultation I was advised to double my daily dose of hydroxychloroquine, so I began taking 2 tablets in the evening after eating (instead of 1). But when I collected my next prescription from the chemist the pharmacist said I shouldn't take the 2 tablets together, that I should take 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening.

Does anyone know if the pharmacist is correct?

thanks

[jayfer]

hi, I take one in the morning and one in the evening- that's how I was advised to take them x

[uzi41]

Hi I take 2 together in the evening. Only because it makes me drowsy during the day. Will have to ask at the hospital on Friday st my appointment. X

[crankyme]

When i was given them i made the same mistake and took both tablets in the morning then on my second appointment was asked what meds i took and when and they said i should have been having1 in the morning and 1 at night to spread out the effect.

[unity3]

i too was advised to take one in the morning with food and the second one with my evening meal so that the effects are evened out as there can be unpleasant side effects on the digestive system.

[jessielou]

Hi hon,

I was told one in the morning one in the evening by doctor at St Thomas's, my local pharmacy agreed. Hope this helps.

Take care gentle hugs Sheena xxxxx

[joannebond360]

I take both of mine together with my evening meal. Asked my consultant and he said that this was fine.

[DaleDiva]

I take both before bed as they tend to make me drowsy and at my last revies the pharmacist was happy with this

[Olibop]

Yes I take one in the morning and one in the evening xxx

[minniish]

Hi,

I normally take 2 together. but if its been advised that you take them during the day i will just ask the pharmasist again but if i was you i will just do it as it says.

[Carcrashgal]

One in the morning and one in the evening is the correct way to double the dose, unless advised otherwise. Good luck! Jo

[debbie8]

i take 2 in the morning with my breakfast , it's never done me any harm x

[chrisj]

I take 2 in the morning as advised by the rheumatologist who prescribed them about 8 years ago

[willowwag]

i am was told to split them down and take them with food, I take one in the around 11am with toast and one with my evening meal was told this will help combat bloating that planquinel came sometime cause x

[1963]

Hi I've been taking two every morning for the thirty odd years, nobody has ever told me to change the way I've taken them, even when in Hosp, its the same, could be,if you are getting bad side effects,or new to it,they tell you to split them,

[blondie22]

Hello jennylee I was toled to take mine 1 in morning 1 in the night before bed.

[Wendy39]

Yes, I take one in the morning and one in the evening. Now reading all of your replies I'm thinking is that why I'm tired and still feeling nauseous and dizzy at times?

[joannebond360 in reply to Wendy39]

That's how I felt when I took one in the morning and one at night. Take them both with my evening meal now and had no side effects since.

[mstr in reply to joannebond360]

Me too Joanne I tried splitting them and the joint pain worsened. I also tried to reduce (as advised to try by rheumy) and pain worsened. Now take them together in the evening and it is better.

[jennylee]

Thanks for replying for everyone (I love this forum!)

Seems like a mixed bag so I'll stick with what I'm doing as I'm not getting any side effects. Will check at my next appointment too

[gazorpf]

The pharmacist is absolutely correct! The goal is to keep a certain therapeutic level of the medication in your blood. Taking it in divided doses accomplishes this better than taking two at once. These directions should be on the label. If they are not, ask why? If the doctor did not write these directions on the prescription, then the pharmacy isn't going to put them there.

You can also call your doctor and ask for clarification at any time.

[Kellam]

I take only one per day.

[Loutob]

I've been taking two together sine I was put on them in 2003, my rheumatologist said this was fine to do. Normally have mine at tea time.

[DonnyJM]

When my Rheumy put me on Hydrchloroquine he said that the 400mg can be taken in 2 split doses at mealtimes either end of the day or both 200mg tabs together.

I started with the two separate but had bad stomach problems and now take both before bed with a glass of milk and all seems to be working well.

[Lindalo1]

I was advised to take one in the morning and one in the evening. I take them approximately 12 hours apart.

[Lindalo1]

I take one in the morning and one in the evening. I take them approximately 12 hours apart to keep a consistent amount in the body.