Kovicin 200 mg Tablet

Kovicin 200 mg tablet by Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd. is a tablet medicine that contains Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate. In Bangladesh, it is mainly used on prescription for autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, and for certain malaria indications where appropriate.

Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate has antimalarial activity and also reduces inflammation by modulating immune system activity. A key caution is that long-term use can rarely damage the retina of the eye, so regular eye checks may be needed.

• Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in adults.
• Treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus and discoid lupus erythematosus.
• Treatment and prevention of malaria caused by susceptible Plasmodium species, according to local resistance patterns and clinical guidance.

The dose of Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate depends on the condition being treated, body weight, kidney and liver function, and the prescriber’s assessment. It is usually taken by mouth with food or milk to reduce stomach upset. For rheumatoid arthritis or lupus it may take several weeks to months to show full benefit, and for malaria the schedule is different and must be followed exactly. Do not change the dose or stop treatment without consulting the doctor.

• Common: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, itching or skin rash.
• Eye-related: blurred vision, difficulty focusing, or retinal toxicity, especially with higher cumulative doses or long-term use.
• Serious but uncommon: heart rhythm problems including QT prolongation, cardiomyopathy, severe allergic reactions, severe skin reactions, low blood sugar, muscle weakness or nerve problems, mood changes or seizures, and blood disorders.

Use Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate with extra caution in people with eye disease, kidney or liver impairment, heart disease or rhythm problems, low blood sugar or diabetes, psoriasis, porphyria, epilepsy, G6PD deficiency, or when using other medicines that can affect the heart rhythm or retina. Baseline and periodic eye examinations are often recommended for long-term therapy. Use this medicine only under the guidance of a registered doctor or pharmacist.

• Medicines that prolong the QT interval, such as some antiarrhythmics, macrolide antibiotics, fluoroquinolones, antipsychotics, and certain antidepressants, may increase the risk of dangerous heart rhythm problems.
• Digoxin levels may increase; monitoring may be needed.
• Antidiabetic medicines or insulin may increase the risk of hypoglycaemia.
• Antacids or kaolin may reduce absorption; separate administration times as advised by a healthcare professional.
• Tamoxifen may increase the risk of retinal toxicity.
• Ciclosporin levels may increase.
• Mefloquine or other seizure-threshold-lowering medicines may increase the risk of seizures.

• Known hypersensitivity to hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, other 4-aminoquinoline compounds, or any tablet ingredient.
• Pre-existing retinal or visual field changes when long-term therapy is being considered, unless a specialist decides the benefit outweighs the risk.
• Use for malaria where the infecting parasite is known to be resistant to hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine.

Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate is commonly continued in pregnancy for conditions such as lupus when the benefits outweigh risks, but the decision must be individualised by the doctor. Small amounts pass into breast milk and breastfeeding is generally considered compatible when prescribed, but infants should be monitored and the mother should follow medical advice.

Store tablets at room temperature, protected from moisture, heat, and direct light. Keep out of the reach of children, because accidental ingestion can be dangerous, especially in young children. Do not use after the expiry date.