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Hydroxychloroquine sulfate (Plaquenil) improves oral lichen planus: An open trial
1Dermatology Associates of Cincinnati, Inc., OH 45230.
Background:
Oral lichen planus is chronic and can be debilitating. Topical corticosteroids are most frequently used for treatment, but they are not always effective.
Objective:
Hydroxychloroquine sulfate (Plaquenil), an antimalarial agent, was evaluated in an open trial (10 patients) for its ability to improve oral lichen planus.
Methods:
Patients received hydroxychloroquine, 200 to 400 mg daily, as a monotherapy for 6 months. Patients were assessed at baseline and every 4 to 8 weeks during treatment. Baseline ophthalmologic examinations were performed, and laboratory values were monitored before and during treatment.
Results:
Nine of ten patients had an excellent response to therapy. Three of six patients with erosions at baseline had complete healing. Pain relief and reduced erythema were usually observed after 1 to 2 months of therapy, but erosions required 3 to 6 months of treatment before they resolved. There were no adverse effects.
Conclusion:
Hydroxychloroquine may be useful in the treatment of oral lichen planus.
