HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE TOXICITY DESPITE NORMAL DOSE THERAPY

The risk of retinopathy associated with the use of hydroxychloroquine is said to be nullified if the dosage recommendations are followed strictly. In this case report, we describe an elderly patient with rheumatoid arthritis who had bilateral maculopathy, presumably secondary to hydroxychloroquine therapy, despite a dosing regimen within therapeutic guidelines. We believe special attention should be given to elderly patients who are being treated with hydroxychloroquine because their retinal pigment epithelium may be more susceptible to the toxic effects of this drug.