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Chloroquine

Chloroquine is an aminoquinoline medicine. It has antimalarial and amebicide activity.

Medicine containing Chloroquine

Aralen

Malaria

250 · 500mg

The chloroquine tablets are supplied as Aralen for malaria. You can choose from several strengths and pack sizes. You see the price per tablet for each option.

FromUS$0.56/ tabletView

Key points

  • Chloroquine starts to act within 1–2 hours.
  • How long it lasts depends on the length of treatment.
  • It is safe for children when the dose is set by weight.

What chloroquine is used for

Chloroquine prevents and treats malaria and treats amebiasis. It belongs to the antimalarial and amebicide drug classes.

How it works

Chloroquine interferes with the growth of parasites in red blood cells. This eradicates the malaria-causing organisms.

Forms and brands

Aralen is a chloroquine tablet supplied in 250 mg and 500 mg strengths and is used for malaria: Aralen. Pharmacy partners in India ship to Malaysia in discreet packaging.

Safety

Do not take chloroquine if you have retinal damage, pre-existing visual field changes or hypersensitivity to chloroquine. Routine eye examinations are required. Use with caution if you have psoriasis, and be aware that the medicine may cause cardiac conduction issues.

Minor side effects include nausea, headache and diarrhoea. Moderate effects include skin pigmentation, rash and visual disturbance. Retinopathy and QT interval prolongation are serious effects that require immediate medical attention. Seek emergency medical treatment for irregular heartbeats, dizziness or fainting.

Chloroquine interacts with ciclosporin and tamoxifen. In pregnancy, use is acceptable for malaria treatment where the benefit outweighs the risk. While breastfeeding, confirm suitability with a qualified clinician or pharmacist before use; chloroquine phosphate can harm a nursing infant.

What the sources say

  • The FDA cancelled its Emergency Use Authorization for chloroquine in COVID-19 after studies showed it was unlikely to be effective and irregular heartbeat was reported. (MedlinePlus)
  • The FDA and NIH state that chloroquine should only be taken for COVID-19 under a doctor’s direction in a clinical study. (MedlinePlus)
  • Serious injury and death have been reported when people misused veterinary chloroquine preparations to treat or prevent COVID-19. (MedlinePlus)

Further reading

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