Hydroxychloroquine is classified as which type of drug in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis?

Hydroxychloroquine is classified as which type of drug in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis?

• A. Prednisone
• B. Hydroxychloroquine
• C. Acetaminophen
• D. Diclofenac

Answer: (B)

Hydroxychloroquine is classified as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), specifically an antimalarial DMARD. DMARDs aim to slow or halt the progression of rheumatoid arthritis by modulating the immune system, not just by relieving pain or inflammation. Hydroxychloroquine helps dampen the abnormal immune response and inflammation in RA, and though it can take weeks to months to show full benefit, it helps protect joints from damage over time. It’s typically used as part of a DMARD strategy, often alongside other agents like methotrexate. This differs from prednisone, which is a corticosteroid used for rapid anti-inflammatory relief but does not modify the disease course; acetaminophen, which provides analgesia and fever relief without affecting RA progression; and diclofenac, an NSAID that reduces symptoms but also doesn’t prevent joint damage. Long-term use of hydroxychloroquine requires monitoring for retinal toxicity with periodic eye exams.

Hydroxychloroquine is classified as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), specifically an antimalarial DMARD. DMARDs aim to slow or halt the progression of rheumatoid arthritis by modulating the immune system, not just by relieving pain or inflammation. Hydroxychloroquine helps dampen the abnormal immune response and inflammation in RA, and though it can take weeks to months to show full benefit, it helps protect joints from damage over time. It’s typically used as part of a DMARD strategy, often alongside other agents like methotrexate.

This differs from prednisone, which is a corticosteroid used for rapid anti-inflammatory relief but does not modify the disease course; acetaminophen, which provides analgesia and fever relief without affecting RA progression; and diclofenac, an NSAID that reduces symptoms but also doesn’t prevent joint damage. Long-term use of hydroxychloroquine requires monitoring for retinal toxicity with periodic eye exams.