Chloroquine: Your Comprehensive Guide to Usage, Dosage, and Safety

Explore the essential information about Chloroquine, a medication used for the treatment and prevention of malaria, as well as for treating extraintestinal amebiasis. This guide provides details on indications, instructions, dosage, storage, safety information, and potential side effects.

Indications for Chloroquine Use

Chloroquine is primarily indicated for:

• Suppressive treatment of malaria
• Acute attacks of malaria caused by P. vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale, and susceptible strains of P. falciparum
• Treatment of extraintestinal amebiasis

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How to Take Chloroquine: Dosage and Administration Instructions

To minimize stomach upset, take Chloroquine with meals or milk, unless your doctor advises otherwise. Adhere strictly to your doctor's instructions regarding dosage and duration. Do not exceed the prescribed dose or frequency to avoid potential side effects.

Preventative Use (Malaria Prophylaxis)

For malaria prevention, continue taking Chloroquine for the entire prescribed duration. If you contract malaria, continue treatment for the full term, even if symptoms improve. Stopping prematurely may lead to a recurrence of the infection.

Take Chloroquine on a regular schedule, ideally on the same day each week. Ensure you do not miss any doses. Consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions.

What to Do If You Miss a Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if your next dose is almost due, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Chloroquine Dosage Guidelines

Dosage is often expressed in terms of Chloroquine base. For example, a 500 mg tablet of ARALEN contains 300 mg of Chloroquine base. Pediatric dosages are typically calculated based on body weight.

Malaria Suppression

• Adult Dose: 500 mg (300 mg base) weekly, on the same day each week.
• Pediatric Dose: 5 mg base per kg of body weight weekly, not exceeding the adult dose.

Ideally, begin suppressive therapy two weeks before exposure. If starting later, adults can take an initial loading dose of 1 g (600 mg base), and children can take 10 mg base/kg, divided into two doses six hours apart. Continue suppressive therapy for eight weeks after leaving the endemic area.

Acute Malaria Treatment

• Adults: Initial dose of 1 g (600 mg base), followed by 500 mg (300 mg base) after 6-8 hours, and 500 mg (300 mg base) on each of the next two days. Total dose: 2.5 g Chloroquine phosphate or 1.5 g base over three days.
• Children and Low-Weight Adults:
• First dose: 10 mg base per kg (max 600 mg base)
• Second dose (6 hours later): 5 mg base per kg (max 300 mg base)
• Third dose (24 hours after first dose): 5 mg base per kg
• Fourth dose (36 hours after first dose): 5 mg base per kg

For vivax and malariae malaria, combine with an 8-aminoquinoline compound for radical cure.

Extraintestinal Amebiasis

Adults: 1 g (600 mg base) daily for two days, followed by 500 mg (300 mg base) daily for 2-3 weeks. Typically combined with an effective intestinal amebicide.

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Proper Storage of Chloroquine

Store in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Protect from freezing. Keep out of reach of children. Dispose of outdated or unneeded medication properly.

Important Safety Information

If taking Chloroquine long-term, regular check-ups are crucial to monitor for blood problems or muscle weakness. Immediately report any vision changes (blurred vision, difficulty reading) to your doctor, as an ophthalmological examination may be necessary.

If symptoms do not improve or worsen, consult your doctor.

Be aware of how Chloroquine affects you before driving, operating machinery, or engaging in potentially hazardous activities. Chloroquine may cause blurred vision or lightheadedness.

Drug and Food Interactions

Certain medications or foods may interact with Chloroquine. Discuss your diet and other medications with your healthcare provider.

Use During Pregnancy

The safety and efficacy of Chloroquine in pregnant women have not been fully established. Avoid use during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks, as determined by your physician.

Possible Side Effects of Chloroquine

While Chloroquine can be effective, it may also cause side effects. Short-term use usually results in fewer side effects, but long-term or high-dose use increases the risk of more serious reactions.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

• Less Common: Blurred vision, change in vision, eye pain, loss of vision
• Rare: Black, tarry stools; blood in urine or stools; convulsions (seizures); cough or hoarseness; feeling faint or lightheaded; fever or chills; increased muscle weakness; lower back or side pain; mood or mental changes; painful or difficult urination; pinpoint red spots on skin; ringing or buzzing in ears or hearing loss; sore throat; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual tiredness or weakness
• Overdose Symptoms: Drowsiness, headache, increased excitability

Note: Some "Less Common" side effects may persist or worsen after stopping Chloroquine.

Common Side Effects (Usually Not Requiring Medical Attention)

• More Common: Diarrhea, difficulty reading, headache, itching (more common in black patients), loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, stomach cramps or pain
• Less Common: Bleaching of hair or increased hair loss, blue-black discoloration of skin, fingernails, or inside of mouth, skin rash

Consult your healthcare provider if these side effects persist or become bothersome.

Additional Information

This information is not exhaustive. Consult your healthcare provider for any concerns or other potential side effects.

Chloroquine: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Chloroquine used for?

Chloroquine is used to prevent and treat malaria, and to treat extraintestinal amebiasis.

How should I take Chloroquine?

Take Chloroquine with food or milk to reduce stomach upset, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.

What are the potential side effects of Chloroquine?

Common side effects include diarrhea, headache, and nausea. Serious side effects are rare but can include vision changes and muscle weakness. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any concerning symptoms.

Is Chloroquine safe to use during pregnancy?

The safety of Chloroquine during pregnancy is not fully established. Consult your doctor before using Chloroquine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

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