Hydroxychloroquine Dose & Safety Calculator

Calculate safe daily hydroxychloroquine doses for adults and children.

Enter patient details to determine the recommended daily dose of hydroxychloroquine. Choose between weight-based or BSA-based dosing. The calculator checks for safety limits and provides clinical guidance.

Practical Examples

See how to calculate hydroxychloroquine doses in real scenarios.

Adult, Weight-based Dosing

weight

A 70 kg adult, using 5 mg/kg/day, max 400 mg/day.

Body Weight: 70 kg

Dose per kg: 5 mg/kg/day

Max Dose: 400 mg/day

Calculation Type: Weight-based

Adult, BSA-based Dosing

bsa

A 65 kg, 170 cm adult, using 200 mg/m²/day, max 400 mg/day.

Body Weight: 65 kg

Height: 170 cm

Dose per m²: 200 mg/m²/day

Max Dose: 400 mg/day

Calculation Type: BSA-based

Child, Weight-based Dosing

weight

A 30 kg child, using 5 mg/kg/day, max 400 mg/day.

Body Weight: 30 kg

Dose per kg: 5 mg/kg/day

Max Dose: 400 mg/day

Calculation Type: Weight-based

Child, BSA-based Dosing

bsa

A 28 kg, 135 cm child, using 200 mg/m²/day, max 400 mg/day.

Body Weight: 28 kg

Height: 135 cm

Dose per m²: 200 mg/m²/day

Max Dose: 400 mg/day

Calculation Type: BSA-based

Other Titles
Understanding Hydroxychloroquine Dose & Safety Calculator: A Comprehensive Guide
Everything you need to know about safe hydroxychloroquine dosing.

What is Hydroxychloroquine Dose & Safety Calculator?

  • Purpose of the Calculator
  • Who Should Use It?
  • Clinical Relevance
The Hydroxychloroquine Dose & Safety Calculator is a clinical tool designed to help healthcare professionals and patients determine the appropriate daily dose of hydroxychloroquine based on individual parameters such as body weight or body surface area (BSA).
Why Accurate Dosing Matters

Clinical Use Cases

  • A rheumatologist uses the calculator to ensure a lupus patient receives a safe dose.
  • A pharmacist checks the maximum daily dose for a pediatric patient.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Calculator

  • Inputting Patient Data
  • Choosing Calculation Method
  • Interpreting Results
To use the calculator, enter the patient's weight and/or height, select the calculation method (weight-based or BSA-based), and input the recommended dose per kg or per m². The calculator will display the recommended daily dose and alert you if the maximum safe dose is exceeded.
User-Friendly Interface

Practical Scenarios

  • A nurse inputs a child's weight and height for BSA-based dosing.
  • A patient double-checks their dose before starting treatment.

Real-World Applications of Hydroxychloroquine Dosing

  • Autoimmune Diseases
  • Malaria Treatment
  • Pediatric and Adult Dosing
Hydroxychloroquine is widely used for conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and malaria. Accurate dosing is essential to maximize efficacy and minimize toxicity, especially in children and patients with varying body sizes.
Broad Clinical Utility

Medical Practice Examples

  • A pediatrician calculates the dose for a child with juvenile arthritis.
  • A malaria specialist uses BSA-based dosing for a traveler.

Common Misconceptions and Correct Methods

  • Overdosing Risks
  • Importance of Maximum Dose
  • Weight vs. BSA Dosing
A common misconception is that more medication is always better. In reality, exceeding the recommended maximum daily dose of hydroxychloroquine can lead to serious side effects, including retinal toxicity. The calculator helps prevent such errors by alerting users when the calculated dose is too high.
Safety First

Avoiding Mistakes

  • A user tries to enter a very high dose and receives a warning.
  • A doctor explains why BSA-based dosing may be more accurate for some patients.

Mathematical Derivation and Examples

  • Weight-Based Formula
  • BSA Calculation (Mosteller Formula)
  • Dose Capping
Weight-based dosing: Dose (mg) = Weight (kg) × Dose per kg (mg/kg/day). BSA-based dosing: Dose (mg) = BSA (m²) × Dose per m² (mg/m²/day). BSA is calculated using the Mosteller formula: BSA (m²) = sqrt([Height (cm) × Weight (kg)] / 3600). The calculator automatically applies the maximum daily dose cap for safety.
Worked Example

Calculation Examples

  • A 70 kg adult at 5 mg/kg/day: 70 × 5 = 350 mg/day.
  • A 65 kg, 170 cm adult: BSA = sqrt(170×65/3600) ≈ 1.82 m²; Dose = 1.82 × 200 = 364 mg/day.