Chloroquine

Chloroquine is an anti-malarial medication to prevent and treat malaria, a disease caused by parasites in countries where malaria is common. It works by interfering with the growth of parasites in the red blood cells of the human body.

Chloroquine is also used to treat infections caused by amoebae occurring outside of the intestines, lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. It is administered orally. The functioning of the liver and blood cell count should be checked from time to time while taking this medicine.

This medicine is not recommended in patients with the eye or ear disease and who have faced serious allergic reactions to any antimalarials in the past. It is not known if the medicine can cause harm to a baby so it is a safer option to not take this medicine during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Discus with your doctor the risks of taking this medication if you suffer from :

• Psoriasis
• Porphyria
• Liver disorder
• Alcoholism
• Epilepsy
• Other seizure disorder.

Common side effects include muscle problems, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, and skin rashes. Some serious side effects may include problems with vision, low blood cell levels, muscle damage and seizures.

Usual initial dosage for acute malaria and hepatic amoebiasis in adults is 600 mg, then dose is decreased to 300 mg a day. For severe malaria, 25 mg/kg should be given in several infusions over 30-32 hr. Chloroquine should be taken with food.

Ensure that the course of treatment is completed before discontinuing the doses to prevent the spread of infection. The effect of this medicine can be observed in 1 to 2 hours and lasts for an average duration of 9 to 15 days

Symptoms of overdose include headache, visual changes, cardiovascular collapse, seizures, abdominal cramps, vomiting, cyanosis, methemoglobinemia, leukopenia, respiratory and cardiac arrest. Following initial measures (immediate GI decontamination), treatment is supportive and symptomatic.

It is important to complete full course of therapy which may take up to 6 months for full effect. May be taken with meals to decrease GI upset and bitter aftertaste. Avoid alcohol. You should have regular ophthalmic exams (every 4-6 months) if using this medication over extended periods.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• Malaria Prophylaxis

  Chloroquine is used as prophylaxis for malaria.

• Malaria

  Chloroquine is used in the treatment of malaria characterized by muscle pain, fever with chills and fatigue.

• Amebiasis

  Chloroquine is used in the amebiasis which is a parasitic infection that affects the intestine and amebic liver abscess caused by Entamoeba histolytica.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• Allergy

  Not recommended in patients with known allergy to 4-aminoquinoline compounds.

• Retinal Or Visual Field Changes

  Not recommended in patients with any vision impairment.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• Blurred Vision

• Confusion

• Diarrhoea

• Dizziness

• Skin Rash

• Hair Loss

• Increased Sensitivity Of The Eyes To Sunlight

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• How long is the duration of effect?

  The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 9 to 15 days.

• What is the onset of action?

  The effect of this medicine can be observed in 1 to 2 hours.

• Are there any pregnancy warnings?

  This medicine is not recommended in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary.

• Is it habit forming?

  No habit forming tendencies were reported.

• Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

  This medicine is known to excreted through breast milk. It is not recommended in for breastfeeding women.

• Is It safe with alcohol?

  It is not known whether this medicine is safe to be consumed with alcohol. Please consult your doctor.

• Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

  This medicine causes side effects that affect the alertness of the patient. Thus patient must avoid driving if taking this medicine.

• Does this affect liver function?

  Caution must be taken in patient with liver disease. Adjustment of dose might be needed. Kindly consult your doctor before taking it.

• Does this affect kidney function?

  Caution must be taken in patient with kidney disease. Adjustment of dose might be needed. Clcr <10 mL/minute: Administer 50% of dose. Hemodialysis: Minimally removed by hemodialysis. Kindly consult your doctor before taking it.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• Missed Dose instructions

  If you miss a dose of Chloroquine, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.

• Are there any overdose instructions?

  Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• India

• United States

• Japan

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

Below is the list of medicines, which contains Chloroquine as ingredient

• Lariago 64.5 MG Injection

  Ipca Laboratories Pvt Ltd.

• Paraquin 40 MG Injection

  Shreya Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd

• Quin 80 MG Suspension

  Que Pharma Pvt. Ltd

• Lariago 500 MG Tablet

  Ipca Laboratories Pvt Ltd.

• Lariago 250 MG Tablet

  Ipca Laboratories Pvt Ltd.

• Leoquin 80 MG Drops

  Leo Pharmaceuticals

• Babyquin 80 MG Drops

  Leo Pharmaceuticals

• Uv Lubi Unims 0.03% Drops

  Fdc Ltd

• Leoquin 64.5 MG Injection

  Leo Pharmaceuticals

• Emquin 64.5 MG Injection

  Merck Consumer Health Care Ltd

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

This medication falls under the category of an antimalarial drug that works by inhibiting the enzyme heme polymerase which prevents the conversion of the toxic heme molecules to the nontoxic hemozoin, in parasites that cause malaria. The toxic heme accumulates leading to the death of the parasite.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

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• Interaction with Alcohol

  Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

• Interaction with Lab Test

  Information not available.

• Interaction with Medicine

  Ethambutol

  These medicines may increase the risk of nerve damage if given together. Any symptoms of numbness, tingling or burning sensation in feet, hands should be informed to the doctor. An alternate medicine should be considered based on the clinical condition.

  Fluconazole

  These medications may increase the risk of irregular heart rhythm. Inform the doctor if you are receiving any heart medications. Close monitoring of heart function is necessary. Discontinue the treatment if you develop any symptoms of palpitations, dizziness, and difficulty in breathing.

  Tramadol

  These medications may increase the risk of seizures if taken together. Inform the doctor if you are having any history of seizures or head injury. Any symptoms of seizures should be reported to the doctor. An alternate class of medication should be considered based on the medical condition.

  Quinidine

  These medications may increase the risk of irregular heart rhythm. Inform the doctor if you are receiving any heart medications. Close monitoring of heart function is necessary. Discontinue the treatment if you develop any symptoms of palpitations, dizziness, and difficulty in breathing.

• Interaction with Disease

  Oculotoxicity

  This medicine is not recommended in patients with the eye disorder. Close monitoring of eye function is necessary. The treatment should be discontinued if any symptoms of blurred vision, difficulty in reading appear.

  Other diseases

  Use with caution in patients with liver disease, G-6-PD deficiency, alcoholism or in conjunction with hepatotoxic drugs, psoriasis, porphyria may be exacerbated; retinopathy (irreversible) has occurred with long or high-dose therapy; discontinue drug if any abnormality in the visual field or if muscular weakness develops during treatment.

• Interaction with Food

  Information not available.

• Ques : What is Chloroquine?

  Ans : Chloroquine is an antiparasitic medication which helps to cure malaria.

• Ques : What are the uses of Chloroquine?

  Ans : This drug is used to treat malaria. It helps by increasing heme levels in the blood.

• Ques : What are the side effects of Chloroquine?

  Ans : This drug can cause problems like Rash, Headache, Dizziness, Vomiting, Nausea, Stomach pain and Itching in some individuals.

• Ques : Is Chloroquine available over the counter?

  Ans : Yes, this drug is available over the counter medicine.

• Ques : Is Chloroquine safe in G6PD deficiency?

  Ans : This drug is not suitable for those who have G6PD deficiency. Consult your doctor before taking it or prefer some other alternative.

• Ques : Is Chloroquine banned in Nigeria?

  Ans : Yes, it is banned in Nigeria.

• Ques : What is the Lariago tablet/Lariago syrup/Lariago-DS/ Resochin used for?

  Ans : All of them are the trade names by which Chloroquine is available in the market.

• Ques : Does Chloroquine affect birth control/ affect the birth control pill/contraceptive pill/ menstrual cycle?

  Ans : This drug does not affect the functioning of birth control or contraceptive pill/ menstrual cycle. In case you observe any such side effect, consult a doctor on an immediate basis.

• Ques : Does Chloroquine cause nightmares/insomnia?

  Ans : Chloroquine can cause few side effects, however, nightmares or insomnia is a very rare side effect of this drug. Please consult a doctor if you have this symptom.

• Chloroquine-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 2 June 2022].Available from:

  https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/chloroquine

• Chloroquine-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 2 June 2022].Available from:

  https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00608

• CHLOROQUINE injection,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 2 June 2022].Available from:

  https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=CHLOROQUINE