What is the typical dosing range for hydroxychloroquine?

• A. 50-100 mg daily
• B. 100-200 mg daily
• C. 200-400 mg daily or twice daily
• D. 500-700 mg daily

Answer: (C)

Hydroxychloroquine is dosed to balance therapeutic effect with long-term safety. The usual maintenance range is 200–400 mg per day, often given as either a single 400 mg dose or 200 mg taken twice daily (total 400 mg/day). Doses much lower than this are commonly subtherapeutic for dermatologic conditions, while higher doses (like 500–700 mg daily) raise the risk of retinal toxicity and other adverse effects, especially with prolonged use. In practice, dosing is guided by body weight (roughly up to 5 mg/kg/day) and renal function, which explains why the practical, commonly used range centers around 200–400 mg per day.