Hydroxychloroquine is a medication primarily used to treat autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. It works by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune system, helping to alleviate symptoms in patients with these conditions. In addition to its use in autoimmune disorders, hydroxychloroquine gained attention during the COVID-19 pandemic as a potential treatment. However, research has shown mixed results regarding its effectiveness against the virus, leading to ongoing debates in the medical community about its use for this purpose.