HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE SULFATE (PLAQUENIL) IMPROVES ORAL LICHEN-PLANUS - AN OPEN TRIAL

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.