Hydroxychloroquine

Pronunciation

Definition 1

A substance that decreases immune responses in the body. It is used to treat some autoimmune diseases, and is being studied as a treatment for graft-versus-host disease. Hydroxychloroquine belongs to the family of drugs called antiprotozoals. (NCI Dictionary)

Definition 2

A 4-aminoquinoline with immunosuppressive, antiautophagy, and antimalarial activities. Although the precise mechanism of action is unknown, hydroxychloroquine may suppress immune function by interfering with the processing and presentation of antigens and the production of cytokines. As a lysosomotropic agent, hydroxychloroquine raises intralysosomal pH, impairing autophagic protein degradation; hydroxychloroquine-mediated accumulation of ineffective autophagosomes may result in cell death in tumor cells reliant on autophagy for survival. In addition, this agent is highly active against the erythrocytic forms of P. vivax and malariae and most strains of P. falciparum but not the gametocytes of P. falciparum. (NCI Thesaurus)

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Hydroxybenzoic Acid

A class of organic compounds with a carboxyl group (-COOH) and at least one hydroxyl group attached to a phenyl ring. The…

Hydroxyamphetamine Hydrobromide

The hydrobromide salt form of hydroxyamphetamine, an indirect-acting sympathomimetic amine with adrenergic properties. Hydroxyamphetamine, when applied topically to the eye, stimulates the…

Hydroxyamphetamine

An indirect-acting sympathomimetic amine with adrenergic property. Hydroxyamphetamine, when applied topically to the eye, stimulates the release of norepinephrine from postganglionic adrenergic…

Hydroxindasate

A serotonin antagonist and diuretic agent. Hydroxyindasate was never marketed.

Hydroxamic Acids

A group of weak acids with the general chemical formula RC(=O)N(R')OH and antineoplastic and antimicrobial activities. Hydroxamic acids covalently bind to…

Hydroureter

Abnormal enlargement of the ureter caused by any blockage that prevents urine from draining into the bladder.