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compositionComposition:CHLOROQUINE-500MG
prescription
Prescription Medicine
info
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Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet is used to treat malaria. It provides a degree of protection against malaria for individuals travelling to areas where malaria cases are prevalent. It is effective against Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium malariae. It is not effective against Plasmodium falciparum. It is occasionally used to reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and to treat conditions such as systemic and discoid lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis, and porphyria cutanea tarda. Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet targets malaria parasites inside red blood cells and disrupts their process of breaking down haemoglobin. This leads to the accumulation of toxic substances, which destroy the parasites and clear the infection. The common side effects of Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet include vomiting, nausea, hair loss, stomach pain, stomach upset, loss of appetite, diarrhoea and itchy skin. Most of these side effects are temporary and gradually resolve over time. However, please consult the doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen.

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Written By Santoshini Reddy G , M Pharmacy
Reviewed By Dr Aneela Siddabathuni , MPharma., PhD
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More about the Product

Composition :

CHLOROQUINE-500MG

Manufacturer/Marketer :

Leo Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Consume Type :

Oral

Expires on or after :

Jan-27

Return Policy :

Not Returnable

About Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet

Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet is an oral prescription medicine primarily used to prevent and treat malaria, a serious infection spread by mosquitoes. It is also prescribed to treat certain auto-immune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, as well as liver infections caused by amoebas. This medicine works by targeting the specific parasites or immune responses causing these health issues.

To get the best results, you must take Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet consistently at the exact times prescribed by your doctor, whether that is on a daily or weekly schedule. Taking this medicine with food or a glass of milk can significantly help prevent stomach upset. While taking this medicine, staying well-hydrated and protecting yourself from mosquito bites are key lifestyle steps to support your recovery.

Most people tolerate this medicine well, but it can cause mild side effects like nausea, stomach cramps, or mild headaches. However, you must contact your doctor immediately if you experience serious symptoms, such as changes in your vision, hearing loss, or unusual muscle weakness.

Do not take this if you have a history of vision changes caused by similar medicines or if you have certain eye disorders affecting your retina. Before starting Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet , tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney problems, a blood disorder called G6PD deficiency, or a history of seizures.

This medicine can interact with antacids, which lower its absorption in your stomach, and alcohol, which can increase the strain on your liver. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or an older adult, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet to ensure it is safe for your specific situation.

Uses of Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet

Your doctor may prescribe Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet for several specific medical conditions, including the following:

  • Malaria treatment: Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet helps by killing the parasites that cause malaria inside your red blood cells, resolving the infection.
  • Malaria prevention: Taken before, during, and after travelling to malaria-prone areas, it prevents the malaria parasite from developing in your body if you are bitten.
  • Amebiasis outside the intestines: It helps treat infections caused by amoebas that have spread outside the digestive tract, particularly to the liver.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: It helps reduce joint pain, swelling, and stiffness by calming your body's overactive immune response.
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): It helps manage skin rashes, joint pain, and other inflammatory symptoms of this long-term autoimmune condition.

Key Benefits

Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet helps protect against and treat malaria while also supporting the management of certain autoimmune conditions. By targeting the underlying causes of these conditions, it helps improve health outcomes and supports better day-to-day functioning.

  • Helps Prevent and Treat Malaria: Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet works to prevent malaria infection in travellers and helps treat existing malaria infections. This supports faster recovery, reduces the risk of complications, and provides added confidence when travelling to malaria-endemic regions.
  • Supports Management of Autoimmune Conditions: For conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet helps regulate immune system activity, contributing to better long-term disease control and symptom management.
  • Helps Reduce Joint Pain and Inflammation: By decreasing inflammation associated with autoimmune disorders, Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet helps relieve joint swelling, stiffness, and discomfort. This can improve mobility, support daily activities, and enhance overall physical function and quality of life.

Directions for Use

Take Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow these steps for safe and effective use:

  • Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water or milk.
  • Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet, as it has a very bitter taste.
  • Take this medicine with food to reduce the chance of an upset stomach.
  • If you are taking this for malaria prevention, start the medicine before your trip, continue it during your stay, and keep taking it for the specified weeks after you return as instructed.
  • Always complete the full course of treatment, even if you start to feel better.
  • Always follow your doctor's exact instructions regarding how and when to take this medicine.

How Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet Works

The active drug in Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet is chloroquine, which works by targeting the specific processes that parasites and inflammation use to affect your body. In malaria, the parasite enters your red blood cells and feeds on haemoglobin, producing a toxic substance called heme. Chloroquine blocks the parasite's ability to safely break down this toxin, causing the toxic substance to build up and destroy the parasite from within your red blood cells. When used for autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, this medicine works differently. It gently dampens your immune system's overactive response, which reduces the chemical signals that cause painful inflammation, joint swelling, and skin rashes.
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Alcohol

Caution

Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet may cause interaction with alcohol. Therefore, it is advised to avoid the consumption of alcohol while taking Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet .

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Pregnancy

Caution

Please consult the doctor if you are pregnant before taking Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet . The doctor may prescribe this medication only if the benefits outweigh the risks.

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Breast Feeding

Caution

Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet should be used with caution during breastfeeding, and only after consulting a doctor, as it may pass into breast milk and potentially harm the nursing infant.

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Driving

Caution

Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet may cause dizziness in some individuals. Therefore, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.

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Liver

Caution

Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet should be taken with caution if you have any history of liver diseases. Please consult the doctor before taking Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet .

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Kidney

Caution

Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet should be taken with caution if you have any history of kidney diseases. Please consult the doctor before taking Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet .

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Children

Caution

Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet should be given to children only if prescribed by the doctor. However, it should not be given to children under 6 years of age due to the risk of overdose and serious toxicity.

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Heart

Consult your doctor

Limited information available for use of Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet in heart patients. Please consult your doctor.

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Geriatrics

Consult your doctor

Limited information available for use of Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet in elderly patients. Please consult your doctor.

What if I have taken an overdose of Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet

Do not exceed the prescribed dose of Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet , as an overdose may lead to symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, drowsiness, headache, visual disturbances, convulsions, or irregular heartbeat. If you suspect you have taken an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

  • Protect against mosquito bites: When taking this for malaria prevention, use insect repellent, sleep under treated bed nets, and wear long sleeves and pants to minimise mosquito exposure.
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure: This medicine can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear protective clothing and hats and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen when outdoors, especially if you are taking this for lupus.
  • Manage stomach discomfort: Eat small, frequent meals and avoid highly spiced or greasy foods if you experience nausea or stomach upset.
  • Limit alcohol intake: Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine to reduce strain on your liver and prevent increased dizziness.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support your body's recovery process.
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How Soon It Starts Working

The time required for Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet to start to work: Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet ideally shows its action within 1 to 2 hours after administration. The time for which the effects of Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet last: The duration of action for Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet is not clinically established.

What if you forget to take Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet

If you miss a dose of Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet , take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

Storage

•Store Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet oral tablets at room temperature, between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). •Keep the medicine in its original container, tightly closed, to protect it from moisture and direct light.

Drug Warnings

  • Schedule regular eye exams: If you are taking Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet for a long time, you must have regular eye checkups to monitor your vision, as long-term use can cause permanent eye damage.
  • Do not share your medicine: This medicine is prescribed specifically for you. Sharing it with others, especially children, can be extremely dangerous.
  • Check for skin changes: Monitor your skin for any unusual changes or worsening rashes, and report them to your doctor immediately.
  • Monitor blood sugar: If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar levels regularly, as this medicine can lower blood sugar levels and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
  • Watch for mood changes: Alert your doctor if you experience sudden mood swings, anxiety, depression, or unusual thoughts while taking this medicine

Drug-Drug Interactions

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Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Antacids and Kaolin: Can decrease the absorption of Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet in your body, making it less effective. Take these at least 4 hours apart from this medicine.
  • Cimetidine: May increase the levels of this medicine in your blood, raising the risk of side effects.
  • Medicines that affect heart rhythm (such as amiodarone or haloperidol): Combining these with Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet can increase the risk of serious, irregular heart rhythms.
  • Diabetes medicines (such as insulin or metformin): This medicine may lower blood sugar levels further, increasing the risk of low blood sugar.

Drug-Food Interactions

  • Grapefruit juice: May increase the levels of chloroquine in your body, which can increase the risk of side effects. Avoid consuming large amounts of grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.

Drug-Disease Interactions

  • G6PD Deficiency: Can trigger the destruction of red blood cells (haemolysis), leading to severe anaemia.
    Psoriasis: May worsen skin flares and severe skin reactions in people with this condition.
  • Porphyria: Can trigger an acute attack of this rare metabolic disorder, causing severe abdominal pain or nerve issues.
  • Liver or Kidney Disease: Your body may process this medicine more slowly, leading to a build-up of the drug and increased side effects.
  • Myasthenia Gravis: May worsen muscle weakness and fatigue.
ChloroquineDronedarone
Critical
ChloroquinePimozide
Critical

Drug-Drug Interactions

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ChloroquineDronedarone
Critical
How does the drug interact with Leoquin 500ec Tablet:
When Leoquin 500ec Tablet is taken with Dronedarone, it may increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythm.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Leoquin 500ec Tablet with Dronedarone is not recommended, as it can possibly result in an interaction, it can be taken if your doctor has advised it. However, if you experience sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, breathing difficulty, or rapid heartbeat, consult the doctor immediately. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
ChloroquinePimozide
Critical
How does the drug interact with Leoquin 500ec Tablet:
When Pimozide and Leoquin 500ec Tablet are taken together, it can increase the chance of a serious abnormal heart rhythm.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Leoquin 500ec Tablet with Pimozide is not recommended, as it can possibly result in an interaction, it can be taken if your doctor has advised it. However, if you experience sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, breathing difficulty, or rapid heartbeat, consult the doctor immediately. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
ChloroquineAuranofin
Critical
How does the drug interact with Leoquin 500ec Tablet:
Taking Auranofin with Leoquin 500ec Tablet can increase the risk of blood disorders and other severe side effects

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Auranofin with Leoquin 500ec Tablet is not recommended, as it may lead to an interaction, but it can be taken together if prescribed by a doctor. However, consult a doctor if you experience unusual symptoms. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
ChloroquineSparfloxacin
Critical
How does the drug interact with Leoquin 500ec Tablet:
Using Leoquin 500ec Tablet together with sparfloxacin can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Leoquin 500ec Tablet with Sparfloxacin is not recommended, but it can be taken together if prescribed by a doctor. However, consult your doctor if you experience unusual symptoms. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
ChloroquineZiprasidone
Critical
How does the drug interact with Leoquin 500ec Tablet:
Taking Leoquin 500ec Tablet with Ziprasidone can increase the risk of irregular heart rhythm.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Leoquin 500ec Tablet with Ziprasidone is not recommended, it can be taken together if prescribed by a doctor. However, consult a doctor if you experience dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
ChloroquineAurothioglucose
Critical
How does the drug interact with Leoquin 500ec Tablet:
Taking Aurothioglucose with Leoquin 500ec Tablet can cause blood disorders and other severe side effects

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Aurothioglucose with Leoquin 500ec Tablet is not recommended, as it can cause an interaction, but it can be taken together if prescribed by a doctor. However, consult your doctor if you experience unusual symptoms. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
ChloroquineMesoridazine
Critical
How does the drug interact with Leoquin 500ec Tablet:
Taking Leoquin 500ec Tablet with Mesoridazine together can increase the chance of a serious abnormal heart rhythm.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Leoquin 500ec Tablet with Mesoridazine is not recommended, as it can possibly result in an interaction, it can be taken if your doctor has advised it. However, if you experience sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, breathing difficulty, or rapid heartbeat, consult the doctor immediately. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
ChloroquinePazopanib
Critical
How does the drug interact with Leoquin 500ec Tablet:
Taking pazopanib with Leoquin 500ec Tablet can increase the risk of irregular heart rhythm.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Pazopanib with Leoquin 500ec Tablet is not recommended, but it can be taken together if prescribed by a doctor. However, consult your doctor if you experience sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
ChloroquineTelavancin
Critical
How does the drug interact with Leoquin 500ec Tablet:
Using Leoquin 500ec Tablet together with telavancin can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Telavancin with Leoquin 500ec Tablet is not recommended, as it can possibly result in an interaction, it can be taken if your doctor has advised it. However, if you experience sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, breathing difficulty, or rapid heartbeat, consult the doctor immediately. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
ChloroquineSaquinavir
Critical
How does the drug interact with Leoquin 500ec Tablet:
Using saquinavir together with Leoquin 500ec Tablet can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Leoquin 500ec Tablet with Saquinavir is not recommended, as it can possibly result in an interaction, it can be taken if your doctor has advised it. However, if you experience sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, breathing difficulty, or rapid heartbeat, consult the doctor immediately. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.

Drug-Food Interactions

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No Drug - Food interactions found in our database. Some may be unknown. Consult your doctor for what to avoid during medication.

Drug-Food Interactions

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All Substitutes & Brand Comparisons

Habit Forming

No

Therapeutic Class

[ANTI- MALARIALS]

FAQs

Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet is used to treat malaria. It is occasionally used to reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and to treat conditions such as systemic and discoid lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis, and porphyria cutanea tarda.
Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet contains chloroquine. Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet targets malaria parasites inside red blood cells and disrupts their process of breaking down haemoglobin. This leads to the accumulation of toxic substances, which destroy the parasites and clear the infection.
There may be a risk of hemolysis in patients with G6PD deficiency while using Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet . Doctor's consultation is mandatory before you start this medication.
The common side effects of Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet include vomiting, nausea, hair loss, stomach pain, stomach upset, loss of appetite, diarrhoea and itchy skin. Most of these side effects are temporary and gradually resolve over time. However, please consult the doctor if any of these symptoms persist or worsen.
Malaria can be very dangerous for both a pregnant woman and her unborn baby. While chloroquine is sometimes used during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks, you must discuss your travel plans and treatment options carefully with your healthcare provider. Talk to your doctor to understand what is safest for you.
When used to treat malaria, it typically starts working within a few days to lower your fever and clear the parasites. However, if you are taking it for rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, it may take several weeks or even months of consistent use before you notice an improvement in your joint pain and swelling. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.
You should contact your doctor immediately and stop taking the medicine if you notice any changes in your vision, such as blurriness or trouble reading. Long-term use of this medicine can sometimes cause changes in the retina of the eye. Regular eye exams are highly recommended. Talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
It is highly recommended to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking this medicine. Both alcohol and this medicine are processed by your liver, and combining them can increase the risk of liver strain and make side effects like dizziness worse. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for personalised advice.
No, you should not take antacids at the same time as this medicine. Antacids containing aluminium or magnesium can stop your body from absorbing the medicine properly, making it less effective. If you must take an antacid, space it at least 4 hours before or after your dose of Leoquin EC 500 mg Tablet . Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
No, it does not prevent all types of malaria. In many parts of the world, the parasites that cause malaria have become resistant to chloroquine, meaning the medicine may not protect you in those areas. Your doctor will choose the right preventive medicine based on your specific travel destination. Talk to your doctor before travelling.
Taking this medicine with a meal or a glass of milk helps coat your stomach and prevents common digestive side effects like nausea, stomach pain, and cramps. It does not affect how well the medicine is absorbed, but it makes the treatment much more comfortable. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if stomach upset continues.
Yes, children can take this medicine for malaria prevention or treatment, but the dose must be carefully calculated by a doctor based on the child's weight. Chloroquine is highly toxic to children even in very small accidental overdoses, so it must be kept strictly out of their reach. Talk to your doctor for the correct child dosing instructions.

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Country of origin

India

Manufacturer/Marketer address

LEO Pharma A/S, Industriparken 55, DK-2750 Ballerup, Danmark
Other Info - LEO0018
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