08
мар
Tell your doctor about all prescription, nonprescription, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you're taking, especially:., such as ) and others. Arsenic trioxide. Rheumatrex,. Iron products. Kaolin. Medication for irregular heartbeat.
Nivaquine nivwquine child has to take NIVAQUINE for a long period of time, for example a nivaquine or more, consult your doctor who may decide to carry out a few simple test on your child. Do not be tempted to take the tablets more often unless your Doctor or Pharmacist tells you to. NIVAQUINE is usually given to help prevent your child getting malaria. Malaria is spread by mosquitos. Some mosquitos carry the malaria parasites and can.
Medication for or. and herbal productsChloroquine and Other InteractionsChloroquine may cause dizziness.Don't drive, operate machinery, or perform other tasks that require alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Chloroquine and AlcoholAlcohol may worsen certain side effects of chloroquine.Talk to your doctor about this potential interaction. Chloroquine comes as a tablet, liquid, or injection.Your dose will depend on your medical condition, age, weight, and response to treatment.You can take this medicine with food if that helps prevent upset stomach.Injections of chloroquine are usually given at your doctor's office, a hospital, or another clinic setting. But you may also be shown how to inject the medicine at home.Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully. About Drugs A-ZDrugs A-Z provides drug information from Everyday Health and our partners, as well as ratings from our members, all in one place. Cerner Multum™ provides the data within some of the Basics, Side Effects, Interactions, and Dosage tabs.
The information within the Reviews and FAQ tabs is proprietary to Everyday Health.You can browse Drugs A-Z for a specific prescription or over-the-counter drug or look up drugs based on your specific condition. This information is for educational purposes only, and not meant to provide medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. Remember to always consult your physician or health care provider before starting, stopping, or altering a treatment or health care regimen.Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by on this page is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. The information on this page has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore neither Everyday Health or its licensor warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Neither Everyday Health nor its licensors endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. The drug information above is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.
The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Neither Everyday Health nor its licensor assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of the information provided. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have any questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Generic Name: chloroquine (KLOR oh kwin)
Brand Name:Aralen Phosphate, Aralen Hydrochloride
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Nov 25, 2019 – Written by Cerner Multum
- Overview
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.
Important Information
You should not use chloroquine 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.
Before taking this medicine
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 chloroquine 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.
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.
Chloroquine side effects
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 chloroquine 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.
See also:
Chloroquine side effects (in more detail)
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.
See also:
Chloroquine drug interactions (in more detail)
Further information
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Copyright 1996-2018 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 5.01.
More about chloroquine
- During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
Consumer resources
Other brands:Aralen Phosphate
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
Tell your doctor about all prescription, nonprescription, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you\'re taking, especially:., such as ) and others. Arsenic trioxide. Rheumatrex,. Iron products. Kaolin. Medication for irregular heartbeat.
Nivaquine nivwquine child has to take NIVAQUINE for a long period of time, for example a nivaquine or more, consult your doctor who may decide to carry out a few simple test on your child. Do not be tempted to take the tablets more often unless your Doctor or Pharmacist tells you to. NIVAQUINE is usually given to help prevent your child getting malaria. Malaria is spread by mosquitos. Some mosquitos carry the malaria parasites and can.
Medication for or. and herbal productsChloroquine and Other InteractionsChloroquine may cause dizziness.Don\'t drive, operate machinery, or perform other tasks that require alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Chloroquine and AlcoholAlcohol may worsen certain side effects of chloroquine.Talk to your doctor about this potential interaction. Chloroquine comes as a tablet, liquid, or injection.Your dose will depend on your medical condition, age, weight, and response to treatment.You can take this medicine with food if that helps prevent upset stomach.Injections of chloroquine are usually given at your doctor\'s office, a hospital, or another clinic setting. But you may also be shown how to inject the medicine at home.Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully. About Drugs A-ZDrugs A-Z provides drug information from Everyday Health and our partners, as well as ratings from our members, all in one place. Cerner Multum™ provides the data within some of the Basics, Side Effects, Interactions, and Dosage tabs.
The information within the Reviews and FAQ tabs is proprietary to Everyday Health.You can browse Drugs A-Z for a specific prescription or over-the-counter drug or look up drugs based on your specific condition. This information is for educational purposes only, and not meant to provide medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. Remember to always consult your physician or health care provider before starting, stopping, or altering a treatment or health care regimen.Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by on this page is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. The information on this page has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore neither Everyday Health or its licensor warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Neither Everyday Health nor its licensors endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. The drug information above is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.
The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Neither Everyday Health nor its licensor assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of the information provided. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have any questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Generic Name: chloroquine (KLOR oh kwin)
Brand Name:Aralen Phosphate, Aralen Hydrochloride
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Nov 25, 2019 – Written by Cerner Multum
- Overview
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.
Important Information
You should not use chloroquine 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.
Before taking this medicine
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 chloroquine 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.
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.
Chloroquine side effects
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 chloroquine 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.
See also:
Chloroquine side effects (in more detail)
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.
See also:
Chloroquine drug interactions (in more detail)
Further information
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Copyright 1996-2018 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 5.01.
More about chloroquine
- During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
Consumer resources
Other brands:Aralen Phosphate
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
...'>Nivaquine(08.03.2020)Tell your doctor about all prescription, nonprescription, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you\'re taking, especially:., such as ) and others. Arsenic trioxide. Rheumatrex,. Iron products. Kaolin. Medication for irregular heartbeat.
Nivaquine nivwquine child has to take NIVAQUINE for a long period of time, for example a nivaquine or more, consult your doctor who may decide to carry out a few simple test on your child. Do not be tempted to take the tablets more often unless your Doctor or Pharmacist tells you to. NIVAQUINE is usually given to help prevent your child getting malaria. Malaria is spread by mosquitos. Some mosquitos carry the malaria parasites and can.
Medication for or. and herbal productsChloroquine and Other InteractionsChloroquine may cause dizziness.Don\'t drive, operate machinery, or perform other tasks that require alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Chloroquine and AlcoholAlcohol may worsen certain side effects of chloroquine.Talk to your doctor about this potential interaction. Chloroquine comes as a tablet, liquid, or injection.Your dose will depend on your medical condition, age, weight, and response to treatment.You can take this medicine with food if that helps prevent upset stomach.Injections of chloroquine are usually given at your doctor\'s office, a hospital, or another clinic setting. But you may also be shown how to inject the medicine at home.Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully. About Drugs A-ZDrugs A-Z provides drug information from Everyday Health and our partners, as well as ratings from our members, all in one place. Cerner Multum™ provides the data within some of the Basics, Side Effects, Interactions, and Dosage tabs.
The information within the Reviews and FAQ tabs is proprietary to Everyday Health.You can browse Drugs A-Z for a specific prescription or over-the-counter drug or look up drugs based on your specific condition. This information is for educational purposes only, and not meant to provide medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. Remember to always consult your physician or health care provider before starting, stopping, or altering a treatment or health care regimen.Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by on this page is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. The information on this page has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore neither Everyday Health or its licensor warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Neither Everyday Health nor its licensors endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. The drug information above is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.
The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Neither Everyday Health nor its licensor assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of the information provided. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have any questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Generic Name: chloroquine (KLOR oh kwin)
Brand Name:Aralen Phosphate, Aralen Hydrochloride
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Nov 25, 2019 – Written by Cerner Multum
- Overview
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.
Important Information
You should not use chloroquine 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.
Before taking this medicine
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 chloroquine 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.
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.
Chloroquine side effects
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 chloroquine 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.
See also:
Chloroquine side effects (in more detail)
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.
See also:
Chloroquine drug interactions (in more detail)
Further information
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Copyright 1996-2018 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 5.01.
More about chloroquine
- During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
Consumer resources
Other brands:Aralen Phosphate
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
...'>Nivaquine(08.03.2020)© 2020 Nivaquine.