What type of medication is hydroxychloroquine?

Hydroxychloroquine is classified as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). This type of medication is primarily used to treat autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. DMARDs work by modifying the underlying disease process and can help reduce inflammation, prevent joint damage, and improve overall functioning in patients with chronic inflammatory conditions.

While other classifications exist, hydroxychloroquine is specifically recognized for its role in altering the immune response and providing long-term management of autoimmune diseases. Its mechanism includes inhibition of antigen processing and presentation, as well as interference with T-cell activation. This differentiates it from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which primarily relieve pain and reduce inflammation without modifying the disease course, or from opioids, which are used for pain management, and corticosteroids, which primarily address inflammation through immunosuppression.