Common use

Aralen (chloroquine phosphate) is an aminoquinoline medication widely used for malaria treatment and malaria prevention. As a trusted antimalarial agent, Aralen works by interfering with the growth of malaria parasites inside red blood cells, most likely by damaging their DNA and disrupting critical metabolic processes within the parasite. Beyond its primary role in combating malaria, chloroquine has also proven effective in the treatment of extraintestinal amebiasis and certain autoimmune conditions. Doctors frequently prescribe Aralen for lupus treatment (systemic lupus erythematosus) and rheumatoid arthritis, where it helps reduce inflammation, joint pain, and swelling. When you buy Aralen online, you gain access to a well-established medication that has been a cornerstone of antimalarial therapy for decades. Aralen generic versions provide the same therapeutic efficacy as the brand-name product, offering an affordable solution for parasitic infection management and autoimmune disease control.



Dosage and directions

Aralen is taken by mouth with a full glass of water, and it may be taken with food to minimize stomach upset. The dosage varies depending on the type of infection being treated:

1) Malaria Prevention:

For adults, the recommended dose is 500mg (300mg base) taken on exactly the same day of each week. Treatment should begin 1-2 weeks before entering a malaria-endemic area and continue for 4-8 weeks after leaving.

For children, the dose is 5mg/kg base per body weight, taken weekly on the same schedule as adults. The maximum pediatric dose should not exceed the adult dose.

2) Treatment of Acute Malaria Attack:

For adults, the initial dose is 1g (600mg base), followed by an additional 500mg (300mg base) after six to eight hours. Then, a single dose of 500mg is taken on each of two consecutive days, for a total dose of 2.5g over three days.

For children, the dosage is calculated at 10mg base/kg for the initial dose, which may be divided into two doses taken six hours apart, followed by 5mg base/kg at 18, 24, and 48 hours after the first dose.

Note: These instructions are provided for general reference only. It is essential to consult with your doctor before using this medication, as proper dosing ensures the best therapeutic results and minimizes the risk of chloroquine resistance.



Precautions

If you will be taking Aralen for an extended period, regular monitoring is necessary to detect early signs of potential complications. Long-term use of chloroquine may lead to blood disorders or muscle weakness — report any unusual symptoms to your doctor immediately. Regular eye examinations are strongly recommended, as Aralen can cause retinal toxicity that may affect vision. Call your doctor immediately if you notice any change in vision during or after treatment with this antimalarial medication. If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they worsen, contact your healthcare provider promptly. Aralen may cause dizziness or blurred vision; do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency should use chloroquine with extreme caution, as it may trigger hemolytic anemia.



Contraindications

Aralen is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to chloroquine or any ingredient in the formulation. Do not use this medication if you have known disorders of liver or kidney function, significant cardiac impairment (particularly with rhythm disorders), blood disorders, or diseases of the nervous system. Patients with pre-existing retinal or corneal damage should avoid Aralen unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risks in life-threatening malaria cases. Additional contraindications include psoriasis, porphyria, diabetes, and chronic alcoholism. Individuals with certain visual field defects caused by chloroquine or similar 4-aminoquinoline compounds should not take this medication. Buy chloroquine only with a valid prescription and proper medical supervision.



Possible side effects

The most common side effects of Aralen include appetite loss, nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, mild headache, and a feeling of whirling motion. These mild gastrointestinal effects often improve with continued use or by taking the medication with food. More serious side effects require immediate medical attention and include: severe allergic reactions (skin rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); unusual behavior or mood changes; changes in skin color or inside of the mouth; difficulty seeing or reading (words, letters, or parts of objects may appear missing); fever or sore throat; hair loss; hearing loss or ringing in the ears; seizures; increased sensitivity to sunlight; unusual bleeding or bruising; unexplained weakness; vision problems; or unexpected weight loss. If you experience any of these serious symptoms, stop taking Aralen immediately and seek medical attention. Report any unusual side effects to your healthcare provider.



Drug interactions

Aralen is known to interact with several medications, including ampicillin, antacids containing magnesium or aluminum, cimetidine, cyclosporine, and kaolin-containing products. Chloroquine may reduce the absorption of ampicillin and should be taken at least two hours apart. Antacids can significantly decrease the absorption of Aralen and should be avoided within four hours of taking this antimalarial. An interaction between two medications does not necessarily mean that you must discontinue one of them. In most cases, the interaction affects the efficacy or blood levels of the drugs involved. Always consult with your doctor about how drug interactions are being managed or should be managed to ensure optimal malaria treatment outcomes.



Missed dose

If you miss a dose of Aralen, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate for a missed one. For weekly malaria prevention dosing, take the missed dose as soon as possible, then resume your regular weekly schedule. Consistent dosing is essential for effective malaria prevention and parasitic infection treatment.



Overdose

Chloroquine overdose is a medical emergency that can be life-threatening. Symptoms of Aralen overdose include severe headache, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, seizures, difficulty breathing, impairment of consciousness, visual disturbances, convulsions, cardiac arrhythmias, and coma. Death due to respiratory or cardiac arrest may occur within two hours of ingestion. If you suspect an overdose, call emergency medical services immediately — do not wait for symptoms to develop. Prompt medical intervention is critical for survival in cases of chloroquine poisoning.



Storage

Store Aralen at room temperature between 59-77°F (15-25°C) in a dry place away from direct light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use this medication after the expiration date printed on the packaging.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.