Hydroxychloroquine‐induced hyperpigmentation: a case report

• Published in: Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics Vol. 33; no. 6; pp. 699 - 701
• Main Authors: Melikoglu, M. A., Melikoglu, M., Gurbuz, U., Budak, B. S., Kacar, C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01-12-2008; Blackwell
• Subjects: antimalarials; Antimalarials - adverse effects; Biological and medical sciences; Dermatology; Female; Humans; hydroxychloroquine; Hydroxychloroquine - adverse effects; hyperpigmentation; Hyperpigmentation - chemically induced; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Pigmentary diseases of the skin; Sjogren's Syndrome - drug therapy; Case study; Antimalarial; hyperpigmentation; Skin disease; Pigmentation disorder; Hydroxychloroquine; antimalarials; Parasiticide; Hypermelanosis; Antirheumatic agent
• ISSN: 0269-4727; 1365-2710
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2710.2008.00955.x

Summary
The antimalarials are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in medical practice, for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis as well as malaria. They are generally well‐tolerated and the possible side effects of synthetic antimalarials, though infrequent, are well known. Besides the familiar adverse reactions, a localized mucocutaneous bluish‐grey to black discolouration can sometimes be seen with antimalarial drugs. The aim of this report was to draw attention to the localized mucocutaneous bluish‐grey hyperpigmentation induced by hydroxychloroquine with a case presentation and a review of the literature.