Chloroquine
Avian Malaria, Rheumatoid Arthritis ... show more
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
YES
Known Teratogen
No
Pharmaceutical Class
Antimalarial
Controlled Drug Substance
No
Chloroquine
Summary
Chloroquine is primarily used to prevent and treat malaria, a disease caused by parasites that enter the body through mosquito bites. It is also used to treat amebiasis, an infection of the intestines caused by a parasite. Additionally, it is used to manage autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Chloroquine works by interfering with the growth of parasites in the red blood cells, which helps treat and prevent malaria. It disrupts the parasite's ability to digest hemoglobin, ultimately killing it. For autoimmune conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, it reduces inflammation by modulating the immune response.
Chloroquine is typically taken orally with food or milk to reduce stomach upset. For malaria prevention, it is taken once weekly, starting 1-2 weeks before travel and continuing for 4 weeks after. For treatment of malaria or autoimmune conditions, the dosage varies based on the condition being treated.
Common side effects of Chloroquine include nausea, abdominal pain, mood swings, anxiety, sleep problems, and headaches. It can also cause drowsiness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may experience changes in appetite, weight, or sexual function. Chloroquine can also cause low blood sugar and hearing problems.
Chloroquine should not be taken by people who are allergic to it or have eye problems. It should be used with caution in people with heart problems, a slow heart rate, low potassium or magnesium levels, or a history of seizures. It can also cause problems in people with a certain condition called G6PD deficiency. Pregnant women should weigh the benefits and risks before using it.
Indications and Purpose
How does Chloroquine work?
Chloroquine works by interfering with the growth of parasites in the red blood cells, which helps treat and prevent malaria. It also has anti-inflammatory effects, which is why it’s used for autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. In malaria treatment, chloroquine disrupts the parasite's ability to digest hemoglobin, ultimately killing it. For autoimmune conditions, it reduces inflammation by modulating the immune response.
Is Chloroquine effective?
Yes, chloroquine is effective for treating and preventing malaria caused by certain types of Plasmodium parasites, especially in regions where the parasite is still sensitive to the drug. It is also effective in managing autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. However, resistance to chloroquine has developed in some areas, making it less effective for malaria in those regions. Always consult your doctor for the best treatment options based on your location and health condition.
What is Chloroquine?
Chloroquine is a medicine used to treat malaria and a type of infection caused by a tiny parasite. It is absorbed quickly into the body and stays in the tissues, especially in the liver, spleen, kidney, and lungs. Chloroquine can cause low blood sugar, which can lead to loss of consciousness, especially in people taking diabetes medications or without diabetes.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Chloroquine?
The typical duration of use for chloroquine varies based on the condition being treated, but it is generally prescribed for a limited period during acute malaria treatment or as prophylaxis in specific geographic areas.
How do I dispose of Chloroquine?
If you can, bring unused medicines to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. They will dispose of this medicine properly so they don't harm people or the environment. If you can't find a take-back program, you can throw most medicines in the trash at home. But first, take them out of their original containers, mix them with something undesirable like used coffee grounds, seal the mixture in a plastic bag and throw it away.
How do I take Chloroquine?
Take chloroquine as prescribed, with food or milk to reduce stomach upset. For malaria prevention, take once weekly, starting 1-2 weeks before travel and continuing for 4 weeks after. Complete the full course.
How long does it take for Chloroquine to start working?
Chloroquine typically starts working within 1 to 2 days for malaria treatment, though it may take several days for full effects. For malaria prevention, it may take a few weeks to build up sufficient protection. The exact time can vary based on the condition being treated and individual response.
How should I store Chloroquine?
Store chloroquine at room temperature (68°F to 77°F or 20°C to 25°C), away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep it in its original container, tightly sealed, and out of reach of children. Do not store it in the bathroom due to moisture. Always follow the storage instructions on the medication label.
What is the usual dose of Chloroquine?
The usual starting dose of this medicine for adults is typically 50 milligrams, taken once daily. The dose may be adjusted based on the individual's response and needs, often increasing to 100 milligrams per day if necessary. The maximum recommended dose is usually 200 milligrams per day. For secondary indications, such as treating a different condition, the dosing instructions might vary, so it's important to follow specific guidance from a healthcare provider. For special populations like children or the elderly, dose adjustments may be required to ensure safety and effectiveness. It's crucial to follow a healthcare provider's instructions for dosing, as they will tailor the dose to your specific health needs and monitor for any side effects.
Warnings and Precautions
Can Chloroquine be taken safely while breastfeeding?
To prevent serious side effects in nursing infants, doctors must decide whether a mother should stop breastfeeding or stop taking chloroquine. Infants can receive a maximum daily dose of chloroquine through breastfeeding, which is about 0.7% of the initial dose a mother receives for malaria treatment. Infants require separate preventive treatment.
Can Chloroquine be taken safely while pregnant?
Chloroquine is a drug used to prevent and treat malaria. Studies in humans have not found an increased risk of birth defects or miscarriages when taking recommended doses of chloroquine during pregnancy. However, animal studies have shown that high doses of chloroquine can cause problems with fetal development. Therefore, the benefits and risks of taking chloroquine during pregnancy should be carefully weighed before using it.
Can I take Chloroquine with other prescription drugs?
- Chloroquine can cause anemia in people with a certain condition called G-6-PD deficiency. - Chloroquine can increase the chance of seizures in people with a history of seizures. - Taking chloroquine and mefloquine together can increase the risk of seizures. - Cimetidine can increase the amount of chloroquine in your blood, so avoid taking them together. - Antacids and kaolin can make it harder for your body to absorb chloroquine, so take them at least 4 hours apart. - Chloroquine can reduce the effectiveness of ampicillin, so take them at least two hours apart.
Does Chloroquine have adverse effects?
Adverse effects, which are unwanted or harmful reactions to a medicine, can occur with any medication. For this medicine, common adverse effects might include nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and dry mouth. These effects can vary in how often they happen, but they are generally not severe. However, there are serious adverse effects that, although rare, need immediate medical attention. These might include severe allergic reactions, which can cause difficulty breathing or swelling, or signs of liver problems, like yellowing of the skin or eyes. It's important to report any new or worsening symptoms to a healthcare provider. Never stop taking a medicine without first consulting a healthcare professional, as they can provide guidance on how to manage side effects safely.
Does Chloroquine have any safety warnings?
This medicine, which is called ibuprofen, has several safety warnings. First, it can cause stomach bleeding, which is a serious condition where the stomach lining is damaged. This is more likely if you are over 60, take blood thinners, or consume alcohol regularly. Symptoms to watch for include stomach pain, black or bloody stools, and vomiting blood. Another warning is that ibuprofen can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, which are conditions where blood flow to the heart or brain is blocked. This risk is higher if you use it long-term or have heart disease. Signs to monitor include chest pain, shortness of breath, and sudden weakness or numbness. Lastly, ibuprofen can cause kidney problems, which affect how your body removes waste. This is more likely if you are dehydrated or have existing kidney issues. Symptoms include changes in urination, swelling in your legs, and fatigue.
Is Chloroquine addictive?
To determine if a medicine is addictive, we first need to know its name. If the medicine has habit-forming potential, it means it can cause dependence, which refers to a condition where the body or mind feels a need for the drug. This can happen because the medicine affects brain chemicals that control mood or pain. Warning signs of dependence include needing more of the medicine to feel the same effect, using it more often than prescribed, or feeling anxious without it. To prevent addiction, follow the doctor's instructions carefully, do not increase the dose on your own, and talk to your doctor if you feel you need more of the medicine. If the medicine has no known potential for dependence or addiction, it means it is safe to use as prescribed without the risk of developing a habit.
Is Chloroquine safe for the elderly?
Older people tend to have lower kidney function. Therefore, it is important to carefully choose the dose of medications for them and monitor their kidney function to avoid toxic reactions.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Chloroquine?
Most people tolerate this medicine well, and occasional alcoholic drinks should not affect the way this medicine works. There are no well-established interactions between this medicine and alcohol. Therefore, moderate alcohol consumption is generally considered safe while taking this medicine. However, it's always a good idea to be cautious and monitor how your body reacts. If you notice any unusual symptoms or feel unwell, it might be best to avoid alcohol. As a general rule, try to limit your alcohol intake to one or two drinks on occasion. If you have any concerns or specific health conditions, it's always wise to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Chloroquine?
To determine if it's safe to exercise while taking this medicine, first check if it causes symptoms like dizziness or fatigue, which can limit exercise. If the medicine typically affects exercise ability, it might be necessary to adjust your routine. For example, you might need to avoid high-impact sports or strenuous activities. If you experience symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain during exercise, take precautions and consult your doctor. If there's no specific information about this medicine affecting exercise, most people tolerate it well, and it should not limit your ability to exercise. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Is it safe to stop Chloroquine?
To determine if it's safe to stop a medicine, first identify its purpose. If it's for managing a chronic condition like hypertension or diabetes, stopping it suddenly can lead to serious health risks, such as uncontrolled blood pressure or blood sugar levels. If the medicine is for symptomatic relief or treating a temporary condition, like an infection, stopping it might lead to a return of symptoms or incomplete treatment. Some medicines can cause withdrawal symptoms or rebound effects, which means symptoms can return worse than before. In some cases, stopping a medicine abruptly can be life-threatening. Always consult with a doctor before stopping any medicine to ensure it's done safely and appropriately.
What are the most common side effects of Chloroquine?
A side effect is an unwanted or unexpected symptom caused by a medicine. For this medicine, common side effects might include nausea, which is feeling sick to your stomach, dizziness, which is feeling lightheaded, headache, which is pain in your head, fatigue, which is feeling very tired, and dry mouth, which is when your mouth feels unusually dry. The frequency of these side effects can vary, but they are generally not experienced by everyone. It's important to remember that when you start a new medicine, you might notice new symptoms. These could be unrelated to the medicine, temporary, or due to another health issue. Always talk to your healthcare provider before stopping any medicine, as they can help you understand the risks and benefits.
Who should avoid taking Chloroquine?
Chloroquine should not be taken by people who are allergic to it or have eye problems. People with heart problems, a slow heart rate, or low potassium or magnesium levels should use chloroquine with caution. It should also be used with caution when taking other medications that can prolong the QT interval, as this can increase the risk of heart problems.
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