Antimalarials in rheumatic diseases.

The use of antimalarials in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE) has declined over recent years due to concern over retinal toxicity and the impression that this class of drugs is relatively ineffective in rheumatic diseases. Recent reviews suggest that this position should be changed. Firstly, there is now good evidence for the efficacy of these drugs in RA and secondly strict control of the daily dosage and careful ophthalmological surveillance can almost eliminate the risk of serious retinal toxicity.