Abstract
Hydroxychloroquine had generated a lot of promise initially in
coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic following its reported in-vitro
efficacy. Based on in-vitro studies and emerging clinical data its
prophylactic use in healthcare workers was recommended by various
healthcare bodies such as Indian Council of Medical Research. We
undertook a study to check if hydroxychloroquine accorded any
prophylactic advantage in healthcare workers in a departmental study
under publication. The results revealed that hydroxychloroquine failed
to provide any prophylactic protection. Serum levels of
hydroxychloroquine were measured to cross-validate compliance of
prophylactic doses. We went ahead to check correlation between time
since the last dose of hydroxychloroquine and its serum levels. A poor
correlation between the two was noted (r=0.08; p=0.58) which reinforces
the underlying variability and unpredictability of pharmacokinetics of
hydroxychloroquine.