Chloroquine (Chloroquine Phosphate)

What is Chloroquine (Chloroquine Phosphate, Aralen)?
Chloroquine is a popular drug known as an antimalarial and amebicidal drug. It contains a 4-aminoquinoline combination. It lowers malaria infections (transmitted by the bite of a mosquito) and some liver disease caused by protozoa (tiny one-celled animals). Advise your health care provider or pharmacist for more information about the curative effects of this product.

What important information should I know about Chloroquine?
Do not finish your course of Chloroquine. Stopping it too soon may not treat the infection and can lead to re-infection. Always make known to a medic before giving Chloroquine to a child. Chloroquine may cause drowsiness or dizzinezz. Be careful about operating machinery, doing perilous tasks, driving or climbing until you know how you react to this medication. Use alcohol cautiously during taking this medicine.

What should I tell my doctor before I take this drug?
Before using Chloroquine inform your physician about:

• psoriasis, myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease)
• pregnancy, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant
• blood disorders
• a certain metabolic disease (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase-G6PD deficiency)
• hypertension or any type of heart problems
• seizures
• liver or kidney disease
• any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives
• hearing problems.

How to take Chloroquine?
Chloroquine is presented in tablets, or a suspension (liquid) form to take by mouth. For prevention of malaria, the average dose of Chloroquine for adults is 500 mg once a week. It is usually taken on exactly the same day every week. It is desirable to start taking the pills at least two weeks before leaving for an area where malaria is a risk and continue taking the medicament for eight weeks after your return. Children's dosage is based on body weight. For treatment of crucial attacks of malaria in adults, one dose (500 mg) is usually taken right away, followed by half the dose 6 to 8 hours later and then half the dose one time a day for the next 2 days. For treatment of liver disease, the usual dosage for adults is 250 mg four times a day for two days. Then 250 mg two times a day for at least two to three weeks. For prevention and treatment of malaria, or liver diseas in infants and children, doses are based on body weight. The tablets should be swallowed whole. Do not chew, break or crush them. This drug is taken with a glass of liquid. As this medicine do not irritate a stomach, you may take it before or after meals. Shake the liquid well before measuring a dose to mix the medicine evenly. Use a specially marked measuring spoon or medicine cup to be sure of the correct dose. Take this drug exactly as directed on your prescription label and fixed by your medical practitioner.

What should you do if you miss a dose of Chloroquine?
If you forget to take a dose of Chloroquine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and continue with your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

What should you do if you overdose of Chloroquine?
Any drug taken large doses can have serious consequences. An overdose of Chloroquine can be fatal, especially in children. If you are overdosed inform your health care provider immediately. In large doses, Chloroquine may give rise to cardiovascular collapse, headache, drowsiness, convulsions, cardiac arrest, sudden and early respiratory, nausea and vomiting, shockor visual disturbances.

What drug(s) may interact with Chloroquine?

• Penicillamine
• Magnesium trisilicate
• Antacids
• Cyclosporine
• Kaolin
• Digoxin
• Ampicillin
• Cimetidine
• Rabies vaccine.

What side-effects may occur?

• Allergic reaction ( skin rash or swelling; difficulty breathing or swallowing; itching; swelling of your throat, lips, face or tongue; hives)
• Headache, dizziness, ringing in your ears
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Liver problems, yellowing eyes, skin
• Loss of hair
• Fever
• Muscle weakness
• Indigestion, or upset stomach, bloating, stomach gas, pain or cramps, loss of appetite
• Nausea, vomiting
• Mental, mood changes (e.g., unusual excitement, restlessness, confusion, hallucinations, blurred vision)
• Seizures
• Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue, faintness.

How should Chloroquine be stored?
Chloroquine should be stored at room temperature, between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Protect from moisture, direct heat, and light. Store the suspension form of this medicine in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused liquid after 10 days. Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink. Keep drug out of the reach of children and away from pets.