Common use

Chloroquine is an aminoquinoline antimalarial medication used to treat and prevent malaria infections caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted through mosquito bites. When you buy Chloroquine online, you receive a time-tested medication that has been a cornerstone of malaria treatment and malaria prevention for decades worldwide. Chloroquine works by accumulating inside the parasite's food vacuole and interfering with the detoxification of heme — a toxic byproduct of hemoglobin digestion — effectively poisoning the malaria parasite from within and halting its reproduction. Beyond its primary role as an antimalarial, Chloroquine is also prescribed as an Aralen generic for the management of autoimmune conditions including lupus treatment (systemic lupus erythematosus) and rheumatoid arthritis, where it helps reduce inflammation and modulate the overactive immune response. Additionally, Chloroquine may be used in treating certain extraintestinal parasitic infections, particularly hepatic amebiasis.

Dosage and directions

Chloroquine is taken by mouth with a full glass of water, preferably with food to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort. Dosage varies significantly depending on the type of infection being treated:

1) Malaria Prevention:

For adults, the recommended dose for malaria prevention is 500 mg (300 mg base) taken on exactly the same day each week, starting 1 to 2 weeks before entering a malaria-endemic area and continuing for 4 weeks after leaving. For children, the dose is 5 mg base per kg of body weight per week, following the same schedule.

2) Treatment of Acute Malaria Attack:

For adults, the initial dose is 1 g (600 mg base), followed by an additional 500 mg (300 mg base) after 6 to 8 hours, then a single dose of 500 mg on each of the next two consecutive days, for a total course of 2.5 g over three days. For children, dosing is calculated based on body weight; typically 10 mg base/kg initially, followed by 5 mg base/kg at 6, 24, and 48 hours.

3) For lupus treatment and rheumatoid arthritis, your doctor will determine an appropriate maintenance dose based on your condition and response to therapy.

Note: These instructions are provided for informational review only. It is essential to consult with your healthcare provider before starting Chloroquine to ensure proper dosing for your specific situation and to achieve the best treatment results.

Precautions

If you will be taking Chloroquine for an extended period, regular monitoring is essential, as long-term use can lead to serious complications including blood disorders (such as aplastic anemia or agranulocytosis) and progressive muscle weakness. Schedule regular eye examinations, as Chloroquine can cause irreversible retinal damage (retinopathy) even after the medication is discontinued. Call your doctor immediately if you notice any changes in vision during or after treatment, including blurred vision, difficulty focusing, or seeing halos around lights. If your malaria symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they worsen, contact your healthcare provider immediately, as this may indicate a chloroquine-resistant strain. Do not drive or operate dangerous machinery until you are certain this antimalarial medication does not impair your vision or coordination. Patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency should use Chloroquine with caution due to the risk of hemolytic anemia.

Contraindications

Chloroquine is contraindicated in individuals with hypersensitivity to chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, or any ingredients in the medication. It should not be used by patients with pre-existing retinal or visual field changes attributable to any 4-aminoquinoline compound, unless the potential benefits of malaria treatment clearly outweigh the risks. Other contraindications include severe liver and kidney dysfunction, significant cardiac disorders (particularly cardiac arrhythmias and conduction disturbances), blood dyscrasias, neurological disorders including epilepsy, psoriasis (which may be severely exacerbated), porphyria, and chronic alcoholism. Diabetic patients should be monitored closely, as Chloroquine may affect blood glucose levels.

Possible side effects

Common side effects of Chloroquine include appetite loss, nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, mild headache, dizziness, and a sensation of the room spinning. These effects are generally mild and often diminish with continued use. More serious side effects requiring immediate medical attention include: severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), unusual behavioral changes, skin discoloration or pigmentation changes inside the mouth, vision difficulties including trouble reading (words, letters, or parts of objects appearing missing), fever or sore throat, hair thinning or loss, hearing changes or ringing in the ears, seizures, increased sun sensitivity, unusual bleeding or bruising, significant weakness, and unexplained weight loss. If you experience any serious symptoms, stop taking Chloroquine immediately and consult your doctor. Report any unusual side effects to your healthcare provider promptly.

Drug interactions

Chloroquine interacts with several medications including ampicillin (reduced absorption), magnesium-containing antacids (reduced chloroquine absorption — take at least 4 hours apart), cimetidine (increased chloroquine levels), cyclosporine (increased cyclosporine levels), and kaolin (reduced chloroquine absorption). Chloroquine may also interact with digoxin, mefloquine, and medications that prolong the QT interval. An interaction between medications does not necessarily mean you must stop taking one of them, but it may affect how the drugs work. Always consult your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed, especially when combining Chloroquine with other antimalarial agents.

Missed dose

If you are using Chloroquine for malaria prevention and forget to take your weekly dose, take it as soon as you remember, then resume your regular weekly schedule. For treatment courses, if you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double or extra doses to compensate. Maintaining consistent dosing is crucial for effective malaria treatment and prevention.

Overdose

Chloroquine overdose is extremely dangerous and can be rapidly fatal. Symptoms include severe headache, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, seizures, difficulty breathing, cardiac arrhythmias, impaired consciousness, visual disturbances, convulsions, and coma. Death due to respiratory or cardiac arrest can occur within 2 hours of a significant overdose. If you suspect a Chloroquine overdose, call emergency services immediately. This is a medical emergency requiring urgent hospital treatment.

Storage

Store Chloroquine at room temperature between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F) in a dry place away from light and moisture. Keep the medication securely closed in its original container, out of reach of children and pets. Do not use Chloroquine after the expiration date printed on the packaging. Dispose of unused medication safely according to your pharmacist's recommendations.

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.