Outline of the pinnacleic
Chloroquine, historically marketed as Aralen, is an antimalarial and antiprotozoal agent. In the United States it is available only by prescription and is most often used for prevention and treatment of malaria when the infecting species is susceptible, as well as for selected extraintestinal amebic infections. Although it received attention in discussions about antiviral uses, chloroquine is not approved in the U.S. to treat viral diseases.
For quick navigation, see dosing under Dose regimen and schedule and safety information for users at Safety measures and health and safety measures.
Primary drug ingredient and common forms
The active substance supplied is chloroquine, typically provided as chloroquine phosphate for oral use. Typical strengths and equivalences are listed below.
- Active: chloroquine, usually dispensed as chloroquine phosphate.
- Typical tablet strengths: 250 mg and 500 mg of chloroquine phosphate.
- Base equivalence: a 500 mg chloroquine phosphate tablet equals about 300 mg of chloroquine base.
- Primary therapeutic use: antimalarial and antiparasitic therapy.
Manifest signs
Chloroquine is used for:
- Prophylaxis and treatment of malaria caused by susceptible Plasmodium species, including P. vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale, and chloroquine-susceptible strains of P. falciparum.
- Treatment of extraintestinal amebiasis. Towards a radical cure for P. vivax or P. ovale, an 8-aminoquinoline such as primaquine or tafenoquine is usually required in addition to chloroquine; for amebiasis a luminal amebicide is generally added to therapy.
Choice of therapy depends on parasite species, local resistance, and patient factors. Contact for guidance CDC guidance or a travel medicine specialist when planning prophylaxis or treatment for travel destinations; see Similar meds with the addition of their another way forward counterparts.
How to take a sip chloroquine
Take chloroquine exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. To reduce gastrointestinal upset, it is commonly taken with food or milk. Follow the full course even if you feel better early, to reduce the chance of treatment failure or relapse.
When used for weekly prophylaxis, pick a consistent day of the week and take your dose on that day while at risk and for the recommended period after leaving the area. For twice-daily regimens, take doses with breakfast and the evening meal to help with adherence.
Missed scheduled dose: take the missed a dose when you remember unless it is close to the next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to cover a missed a dose.
Dosing intervals and schedules
Pediatric doses are weight-based; never exceed the recommended adult maximum. Below are commonly used regimens. For details on ancillary choices and radical cure, see Comparable and nontraditional medicines.
Malaria prophylactic treatment to achieve suppression
- Adults: 500 mg chloroquine phosphate (roughly 300 mg base) once weekly on the same weekday.
- The youth population: 5 mg base per kg once weekly, not exceeding the adult dose.
- Start: ideally begin 1 to 2 weeks before exposure. If starting late, adults may use a loading approach of 1 g chloroquine phosphate (about 600 mg base) given as two divided doses 6 hours apart on day 1; children: 10 mg base/kg split into two doses 6 hours apart. Continue weekly while exposed and for 8 weeks after leaving the risk area.
Care and treatment of acute malaria
- Adults: initial 1 g chloroquine phosphate (about 600 mg base), followed 6 to 8 hours later by 500 mg (about 300 mg base), then 500 mg daily on each of the next two days. Total over 3 days: 2.less than five grams of chloroquine phosphate (approximately 1)base that weighs 5 g
- Infants and children: dose regimens are weight-based. A common schedule is 10 mg base/kg for the first dose (maximum single dose 600 mg base), then 5 mg base/kg at 6 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours after the first dose (max single dose 300 mg base for subsequent doses).
- With the aim of a radical cure for P. between Plasmodium vivax and P. ovale add primaquine or tafenoquine unless contraindicated; see varied options.
Extragastrointestinal amebiasis
- Adults: 1 g chloroquine phosphate daily (about 600 mg base) for two days, then 500 mg daily (about 300 mg base) for at least 2 to 3 weeks, typically combined with a luminal amebicide to eradicate intestinal carriage.
Storage unit
- Keep at room temperature in a tightly closed container away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
- Do not freeze. Do not permit access by children or pets. at all times.
- Dispose of expired or unused medication according to local regulations; do not use after the expiration date.
Safety and risk hazard controls
- For prolonged therapy, periodic monitoring and logging may include blood tests, muscle function checks, and ophthalmic exams to detect retinal or other ocular changes early.
- Report new visual symptoms promptly, such as blurring or difficulty reading. An eye exam may be advised before long-term use.
- Chloroquine can cause dizziness or visual disturbance. Confirm how you tolerate it before driving or using heavy machinery.
- Discuss potential positive the process of interactions enhance user satisfaction. with alcohol, tobacco, and other medications with your clinician or pharmacist.
- Pregnancy: data are limited. Use only when the expected benefit justifies any potential risk to the fetus, following clinician assessment.
If infection symptoms worsen or do not improve, seek medical attention. For specific adverse events see Likely adverse reactions.
Potential unwanted effects
Most people tolerate short courses well. Risks increase with higher doses and prolonged exposure.
Common or relatively frequent
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach discomfort
- Headache pain; blurred vision or difficulty focusing
- Little to no appetite
- Pruritus or itching (reported more often in some patients of African descent)
Scarce
- Skin rash symptoms or discoloration
- Hair thinning or loss
- Blue-black pigmentation of skin, nails, or oral mucosa
- Visual changes including blurring
Rare, but serious. - seek immediate care
- Severe vision loss or eye pain
- Black, tarry stools; blood in urine or stools; unexplained bruising
- Recurrent seizures, fainting, sudden weakness
- Marked hearing changes or ringing in the ears
- Mood or mental status changes, severe sore throat, or high fever
OD warning
- Drowsiness, severe cranial pain, agitation
- Rapid progression to life-threatening cardiotoxicity at high suffered an overdose levels
Some vision-related effects may appear or continue after stopping chloroquine. Contact your healthcare provider for any concerning or new symptoms.
Similar and substitute medicines
Selection of plan B routes depends on the infecting species, resistance patterns, comorbid conditions, pregnancy status, and patient age. Below are commonly used options.
- Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) - chemically related to chloroquine and sometimes substituted when appropriate; often used for autoimmune conditions and may have a similar resistance profile for malaria.
- Mefloquine - weekly prophylaxis the other option in chloroquine-resistant regions; notable for neuropsychiatric adverse effect advisories for safety in some patients.
- Atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone) - daily option for prophylaxis and treatment in many resistant areas; generally well tolerated, but often more costly per tablet.
- Doxycycline - daily prophylactic choice; common adverse health effects include photosensitivity and gastrointestinal upset; contraindicated in pregnancy and young children.
- Primaquine or tafenoquine - used to eradicate liver hypnozoites of P. vivax and P. ovale following blood-stage therapy; G6PD testing is required before use due to hemolysis risk.
- For extraintestinal amebiasis - metronidazole or tinidazole for tissue infection followed by a luminal agent such as paromomycin or iodoquinol to clear intestinal carriage.
If you need help choosing a prophylactic strategycompare weekly versus daily options and consult CDC guidance or a travel medicine clinician; see expected price estimates used for rough cost benchmarking.
Approximate price windows in the USA
Costs vary by pharmacy, insurance, location, and supply. The following are general retail cash price spread for typical tablet strengths to aid planning. Prices are approximate and in United States dollars (USD).
- Chloroquine phosphate 500 mg (about 300 mg base): roughly USD 4 to 12 per tablet when available through retail outlets.
- Hydroxychloroquine 200 mg (generic): commonly USD 0.20 to 1.00 per tablet; brand formulations cost more.
- Atovaquone-proguanil 250/100 mg: generic roughly USD 3 to 7 per tablet; brand (Malarone) often USD 6 to 12 per tablet.
- Mefloquine 250 mg: generic approximately USD 1 to 5 per tablet.
- Doxycycline 100 mg: generic around USD 0.10 to 0.60 per capsule/tablet.
- Primaquine 15 mg base: often USD 0.50 to 2.00 per tablet; tafenoquine single-dose regimens are usually considerably more expensive overall.
- Metronidazole 500 mg: generic about USD 0.10 to 0.50 per tablet.
Tip: Many pharmacies provide discount programs, coupons, or generic substitutions. When budgeting for travel, factor in the total duration of therapy including required post-travel prophylaxis.
Where the law stands in the United States
- Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine require a valid U.S. prescription; they are not scheduled controlled substances.
- Markers of change deemed approved in the U.S. include malaria caused by susceptible strains and extraintestinal amebiasis. Chloroquine is not approved as an antiviral; emergency authorizations related to COVID-19 were revoked.
- Clinicians may prescribe off-label when clinically appropriate, but pharmacies and prescribers must follow state laws and professional standards. Telehealth prescribing is allowed when consistent with applicable regulations.
- Personal importation: FDA allows limited personal importation under narrow conditions, but rules are complex and can change. Do not import medications without checking current FDA and Customs expert counsel.
- Travelers should keep medications in original labeled containers with a copy of the prescription. While there is no U.S. entry requirement for malaria prophylaxis, destination countries may have their own health rules.
For authoritative, current legal and regulatory matters information consult the FDA, CDC, and your state board of pharmacy.
Fast FAQ
Is chloroquine still useful where resistance exists?
Chloroquine remains effective in regions where Plasmodium species are susceptible. In areas with documented resistance, other agents such as atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine are preferred. See Medicines that are alike or substitute options.
What duration of prophylaxis is recommended after travel?
When using chloroquine for prophylaxis, continue weekly dosing for 8 weeks after leaving the endemic area. See Malaria prevention strategies see details for more information disclosed.
Do I need periodic eye exams?
Eye real time monitoring of systems is recommended for longer term or high cumulative exposure to reduce the risk of retinal toxicity. Review real time monitoring of systems intervals with your prescriber; see Safety protocols and required precautions.
What should I do if I have severe temporary side effects?
Stop medication and seek urgent medical attention for severe symptoms such as vision loss, seizures, uncontrolled bleeding, or severe allergic reactions. Look at the emergency items listed at Foreseeable adverse sequelae.
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