Hydroxychloroquine: Immunomodulatory Therapy for Autoimmune and Rheumatic Diseases - Evidence-Based Review

Let’s begin with a clear description of the product before the formal title. Hydroxychloroquine sulfate is a prescription medication, classified as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). It is not an over-the-counter dietary supplement or a medical device. It is a synthetic analog of chloroquine, with a hydroxyl group that significantly improves its safety profile. For decades, it has been a cornerstone therapy in autoimmune diseases, and its role, while controversial in certain contexts, remains well-established in rheumatology and dermatology.