* Generic Name: chloroquine
* Brand Name: Aralen
* What is chloroquine?
* What are the possible side effects of chloroquine?
* What is the most important information I should know about
chloroquine?
* What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
chloroquine?
* How should I take chloroquine?
* What happens if I miss a dose?
* What happens if I overdose?
* What should I avoid while taking chloroquine?
* What other drugs will affect chloroquine?
* Where can I get more information?
What is chloroquine?
Chloroquine is an anti-malaria medicine that works by interfering
with the growth of parasites in the red blood cells of the human
body.
Parasites that cause malaria typically enter the body through the bite
of a mosquito. Malaria is common in areas such as Africa, South
America, and Southern Asia.
Chloroquine is used to treat and to prevent malaria. Chloroquine is
also used to treat amebiasis (infection caused by amoebae).
Chloroquine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
guide.
What are the possible side effects of chloroquine?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction
(hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a
severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes,
skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering
and peeling).
Taking chloroquine long-term or at high doses may cause irreversible
damage to the retina of your eye. Stop taking this medicine and
call your doctor at once if you have trouble focusing, if you see light
streaks or flashes in your vision, or if you notice any swelling or
color changes in your eyes.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
* vision problems, trouble reading or seeing objects, hazy vision;
* fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of
breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);
* severe muscle weakness, loss of coordination, underactive
reflexes;
* hearing loss or ringing in the ears;
* a seizure (convulsions); or
* upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowing
of the skin or eyes).
Common side effects may include:
* diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps;
* headache;
* changes in hair or skin color;
* temporary hair loss; or
* mild muscle weakness.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about chloroquine?
You should not use this medicine if you have a history of vision
changes or damage to your retina caused by chloroquine or similar
anti-malaria medications.
Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have
trouble focusing, if you see light streaks or flashes in your vision,
or if you notice any swelling or color changes in your eyes.
An overdose of chloroquine can be fatal, especially in children.
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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking chloroquine?
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to chloroquine or
hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), or if you have:
* a history of vision changes or damage to your retina caused by an
anti-malaria medication.
To make sure chloroquine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have
ever had:
* heart disease, heart rhythm disorder (such as long QT
syndrome);
* an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium
or magnesium in your blood);
* psoriasis;
* porphyria;
* liver or kidney disease;
* alcoholism;
* epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
* glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency; or
* problems with your vision or hearing.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are pregnant.
Malaria is more likely to cause death in a pregnant woman. If you are
pregnant, talk with your doctor about the risks of traveling to areas
where malaria is common.
Chloroquine can pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in the
nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
How should I take chloroquine?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this
medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
To prevent malaria: Start taking the medicine 2 weeks before entering
an area where malaria is common. Chloroquine is usually taken once per
week on the same day each week. Continue taking the medicine regularly
during your stay and for at least 8 weeks after you leave the area.
If you stop using chloroquine early for any reason, talk to your doctor
about other forms of malaria prevention.
To treat malaria: Chloroquine is usually given for 3 days, starting
with one high dose followed by a smaller dose during the next 2 days in
a row.
To treat amebiasis: Chloroquine is given in a high starting dose for 2
days followed by a smaller dose for 2 to 3 weeks. You may be given
other medications to help prevent further infection.
Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
Take this medicine for the full prescribed length of time for treatment
of malaria. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is
completely cleared.
If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical
tests.
Use protective clothing, insect repellents, and mosquito netting around
your bed to further prevent mosquito bites that could cause malaria.
Call your doctor as soon as possible if you have been exposed to
malaria, or if you have fever or other symptoms of illness during or
after a stay in an area where malaria is common.
No medication is 100% effective in treating or preventing all types of
malaria. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk
with your doctor if you have fever, vomiting, or diarrhea during your
treatment.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
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What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
1-800-222-1222. An overdose of chloroquine can be fatal, especially in
children.
Chloroquine overdose must be treated quickly. You may be told to induce
vomiting right away (at home, before transport to an emergency room).
Ask the poison control center how to induce vomiting in the case of an
overdose.
Overdose symptoms may include headache, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting,
vision changes, seizure (convulsions), slow heart rate, weak pulse,
fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop).
What should I avoid while taking chloroquine?
Avoid taking an antacid or Kaopectate (kaolin-pectin) within 4
hours before or after you take chloroquine. Some antacids can make
it harder for your body to absorb chloroquine.
If you also take an antibiotic called ampicillin, avoid taking
it within 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take chloroquine.
Chloroquine can make ampicillin much less effective when taken at the
same time.
This medication may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking
or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you
to be alert and able to see clearly.
What other drugs will affect chloroquine?
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or
stop using, especially:
* cimetidine;
* cyclosporine;
* mefloquine;
* praziquantel;
* tamoxifen;
* heart rhythm medication; or
* insulin or oral diabetes medicine.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with chloroquine,
including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and
herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this
medication guide.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about chloroquine.
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