Chloroquine
About Chloroquine
Chloroquine belongs to the class of medications called 'quinolines', primarily 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. Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by the Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It typically causes high fever, chills, sweating, and body aches. Without timely treatment, malaria can lead to serious complications, including organ failure and death.
Chloroquine contains chloroquine. Chloroquine 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 dose and duration of treatment with Chloroquine can be determined by the doctor based on your medical condition. The common side effects of Chloroquine 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, consult the doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
Do not take Chloroquine if you are allergic to Chloroquine or any of its contents. Inform your doctor if you have or have ever had any of the following conditions such as liver or heart disease, a prolonged QT interval (a rare heart condition that can cause irregular heartbeat, fainting, or sudden death), irregular heartbeat, low magnesium or potassium levels, G6PD deficiency (a hereditary blood disorder), hearing issues, porphyria or other blood disorders, psoriasis, seizures, vision problems, diabetes, or muscle weakness in the knees and ankles. Also, let your doctor know if you consume large amounts of alcohol or if you have experienced vision changes while taking Chloroquine. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking Chloroquine. Chloroquine should be used for children only if prescribed by the doctor.
Uses of Chloroquine
• Treatment of Malaria: Chloroquine is commonly used to prevent and treat malaria caused by Plasmodium parasites sensitive to this drug.
• Manages Intestinal Amoebiasis: It is used as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of intestinal amoebiasis to help clear the infection.
• Relieves Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms: Chloroquine helps reduce joint pain, swelling, and stiffness in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Treatment of Lupus: It is effective in managing systemic and discoid lupus erythematosus by controlling inflammation and autoimmune activity.
• Used in Sarcoidosis: Chloroquine may be used to treat sarcoidosis by reducing inflammation in affected organs.
• Manages Porphyria Cutanea Tarda: It is also used in the treatment of porphyria cutanea tarda, a disorder that affects the skin and liver.
Medicinal Benefits
Chloroquine belongs to the class of medications called 'quinolines', primarily 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. Chloroquine 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.
Directions for Use
- Chloroquine can be taken with food to prevent stomach upset, or as advised by the doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safe and effective use.
- Swallow Chloroquine as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Chloroquine
- Headache
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Itching
- Hair Loss
- Stomach pain
- Upset stomach
- Rash
Drug Warnings
Do not take Chloroquine if you are allergic to Chloroquine or any of its contents. Inform your doctor if you have or have ever had any of the following conditions such as liver or heart disease, a prolonged QT interval (a rare heart condition that can cause irregular heartbeat, fainting, or sudden death), irregular heartbeat, low magnesium or potassium levels, G6PD deficiency (a hereditary blood disorder), hearing issues, porphyria or other blood disorders, psoriasis, seizures, vision problems, diabetes, or muscle weakness in the knees and ankles. Also, let your doctor know if you consume large amounts of alcohol or if you have experienced vision changes while taking Chloroquine. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking Chloroquine. It is used for children only if advised by the doctor. It is not recommended for children below 6 years of age.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Chloroquine may cause interactions with Antibiotics (ketoconazole, erythromycin, azithromycin), Antidepressants (Doxepin), Beta blockers (sotalol), Opioid analgesics (Tramadol).
Drug-Food Interaction: Limit the consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice with Chloroquine as it can significantly increase the level of Chloroquine in the blood.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform your doctor if you have eye disorder (ocular toxicity), blood disease (porphyria), heart disease (arrhythmias), bone marrow suppression, ear disorder (ototoxicity), seizures, enzyme deficiency (G-6-PD deficiency), liver disease (hepatotoxicity), muscle disorder (myasthenia gravis), skin disease (psoriasis) as these conditions may cause interactions.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionChloroquine may cause interaction with alcohol. Therefore, it is advised to avoid the consumption of alcohol while taking Chloroquine.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult the doctor if you are pregnant before taking Chloroquine. The doctor may prescribe this medication only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionChloroquine 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.
Driving
cautionChloroquine may cause dizziness in some individuals. Therefore, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
Liver
cautionChloroquine should be taken with caution if you have any history of liver diseases. Please consult the doctor before taking Chloroquine.
Kidney
cautionChloroquine should be taken with caution if you have any history of kidney diseases. Please consult the doctor before taking Chloroquine.
Children
cautionChloroquine 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.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Always take Chloroquine with meals for reduced gastric irritation.
- Adequate nutrition is crucial for improving malaria-induced weakness.
- It is essential to allow the patient to eat regularly in small amounts to help them tolerate the food.
- Increase fluid and protein intake to combat malaria-induced weight loss.
- Proper rest and mosquito-free premises are essential for the patient to recover.
Special Advise
Do not receive any vaccinations without talking to your doctor while taking Chloroquine.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Malaria: Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It typically causes high fever, chills, sweating, and body aches. Without timely treatment, malaria can lead to serious complications, including organ failure and death.
FAQs
Chloroquine 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.
Chloroquine contains chloroquine. Chloroquine 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.
Chloroquine can be taken with antibiotics only if prescribed by the doctor. If you are taking ampicillin, ensure that you take it at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking Chloroquine.
No such effect has been reported yet. Always consult your doctor for the change of dose regimen or an alternative medicine if needed.
No such harmful interaction has been reported in patients who take this drug under strict doctors' surveillance. However, some patients may experience eye (retinal) damage, which can cause a pounding heart. Therefore, patients taking Chloroquine are advised to consult a doctor and have regular check-ups periodically.
There may be a risk of hemolysis in patients with G6PD deficiency while using Chloroquine. Doctor's consultation is mandatory before you start this medication.
The common side effects of Chloroquine 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.
