Is it better to take Plaquenil in the morning or night?
Mia Lopez
Updated on February 26, 2026
If you take Plaquenil once daily, there's no best time of day to take it. But you should take it at about the same time each day. And it's recommended that you take your dose with food or milk. If you take Plaquenil twice daily, you can take one dose in the morning and one in the evening.
How long does it take for Plaquenil to reduce inflammation?
Plaquenil works very slowly. In 1 to 3 months you should start to feel better. You may continue to get better for up to 1 year. Most people who take Plaquenil also take other medicines for pain and stiffness.Does Plaquenil affect your sleep?
Even anti-malarials, such as hydroxychloroquine, can cause sleep difficulties and strange dreams. Taking such medications earlier in the day can be helpful in mitigating these effects.Is weight gain a side effect of Plaquenil?
Is weight gain a side effect of Plaquenil? No, weight gain hasn't been reported as a side effect of Plaquenil. But weight loss has been reported as a side effect. Two conditions Plaquenil is prescribed to treat, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and lupus, can cause symptoms that contribute to weight gain.Does Plaquenil reduce inflammation?
Hydroxychloroquine is used in the treatment of arthritis to help relieve inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain and also to help control the symptoms of lupus erythematosus (lupus; SLE). A common brand name for hydroxychloroquine is Plaquenil®.Best Supplements to take in the morning vs. at night- Cronobiology
What should I avoid while taking hydroxychloroquine?
Hydroxychloroquine should not be taken with other drugs that could cause heart arrhythmias (irregular heart rate or rhythm). Taking hydroxychloroquine with these drugs could cause dangerous arrhythmias. Examples of these drugs include: amiodarone.How do you know if Plaquenil is working?
Hydroxychloroquine doesn't work immediately. It may be 12 weeks or longer before you notice any benefit. Because it's a long-term treatment it's important to keep taking hydroxychloroquine unless you have severe side effects: even if it doesn't seem to be working at first.Can you take vitamin D with hydroxychloroquine?
Interactions between your drugsNo interactions were found between hydroxychloroquine and Vitamin D3.
Does Plaquenil give you energy?
Joint pain and swelling also decrease. Over time, Plaquenil helps reduce inflammation around the heart and lungs and improves symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and cognitive dysfunction. And patients report more energy because it's a mild stimulant.Do you lose weight on Plaquenil?
Weight gain or weight lossFor some people, Plaquenil may cause weight loss. This is because the drug can decrease your appetite, which may lead to the weight loss. But it's not known how many people have had weight loss while taking Plaquenil. Weight gain, on the other hand, isn't a known side effect of Plaquenil.
Why is my rheumatoid arthritis worse at night?
One theory is that the body's circadian rhythm may play a role. In people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the body releases less of the anti-inflammatory chemical cortisol at night, increasing inflammation-related pain.How does hydroxychloroquine make you feel?
Hydroxychloroquine may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies, or to become more depressed. If you or your caregiver notice any of these side effects, tell your doctor right away.Can I take Tylenol and hydroxychloroquine together?
Interactions between your drugsNo interactions were found between hydroxychloroquine and Tylenol. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
What does Plaquenil do to your eyes?
Plaquenil binds to retinal pigment cells, causing adverse changes in vision that occur slowly over time. Objects may start to appear blurry or distorted. In the most serious cases of Plaquenil-induced retinal toxicity, the macula is completely destroyed.Can you take Plaquenil for life?
Plaquenil and other anti-malarials are the key to controlling lupus long term, and some lupus patients may be on Plaquenil for the rest of their lives. For this reason, you can think of anti-malarials as a sort of “lupus life insurance.”Can you be in the sun while taking hydroxychloroquine?
Our results have shown that photosensitivity during medication with chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine is uncommon and that there is no need to stop this treatment due to sun exposure.Does hydroxychloroquine cause extreme fatigue?
Loss of appetite, tiredness, weakness, or headache are uncommon side effects and typically go away over time.Can you take prednisone and Plaquenil at the same time?
Interactions between your drugsNo interactions were found between Plaquenil and prednisone.