Hydroxychloroquine Dose Calculator
Calculate maximum hydroxychloroquine dose by body weight and check custom daily dose against retinopathy risk thresholds.
Why Weight-Based Hydroxychloroquine Dosing Matters
Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is used for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune conditions. Long-term use carries a risk of retinopathy, and ophthalmology guidelines emphasize keeping the daily dose at or below 5 mg per kilogram of actual body weight. This calculator compares your planned daily dose against that limit. For general weight-based prescribing, see the Dosage Calculator.
The 5 mg/kg Daily Maximum
Multiply body weight in kilograms by 5 to get the recommended maximum daily dose in milligrams. For example, a 70 kg patient should not exceed 350 mg per day under current retinopathy-prevention guidance. Doses above this threshold are associated with higher long-term eye toxicity risk, especially with cumulative exposure over years.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter actual body weight in kg and the total planned daily dose in mg (including all tablets taken that day). The tool reports dose per kg, whether you are within the 5 mg/kg limit, and how many milligrams you exceed the limit if applicable. Always confirm dosing, renal function, and screening schedules with the prescribing clinician.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hydroxychloroquine dose limit per kg?
Current ophthalmology guidance recommends keeping the daily dose at or below 5 mg per kilogram of actual body weight to reduce long-term retinopathy risk.
Should I use ideal body weight or actual weight?
Retinopathy-risk dosing guidelines use actual body weight in kilograms. Do not substitute ideal body weight unless your prescriber specifically instructs you to.
What if my dose exceeds 5 mg/kg?
A dose above 5 mg/kg/day falls in a higher retinopathy-risk band. Do not change your dose on your own; discuss alternatives, split dosing, or risk-benefit review with your rheumatologist or ophthalmologist.
Does this apply to loading doses or acute malaria treatment?
The 5 mg/kg daily cap reflects chronic autoimmune therapy and retinopathy prevention. Short-course malaria regimens use different protocols; follow the prescribing information for those indications.
How often should hydroxychloroquine patients get eye exams?
Baseline screening before or within the first year of therapy, then periodic monitoring per current AAO guidelines, is standard. Screening frequency depends on dose, duration, and risk factors determined by your eye care provider.
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