Chloroquine Phosphate (Aralen)

Generic Chloroquine Phosphate (Aralen)

Chloroquine Phosphate (Aralen) is used to prevent or treat malaria caused by mosquito bites. Chloroquine belongs to a class of drugs known as antimalarials.The United States Centers for Disease Control provide updated guidelines and travel recommendations for the prevention and treatment of malaria in different parts of the world. Discuss the most recent information with your doctor before traveling to areas where malaria occurs.Chloroquine is also used to treat infection caused by a different type of parasite (ameba).Chloroquine is not recommended for coronavirus infection, also known as COVID-19, unless you are enrolled in a study. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Chloroquine Phosphate Information :

Uses :

An antiparasitic medication called chloroquine phosphate tablets is used to treat and prevent malaria. It prevents the infection from spreading by eliminating the parasite that causes malaria.

Take this medication by mouth, usually with food to prevent stomach upset, exactly as directed by your doctor. The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Children’s dosage is also based on weight.

As prescribed by your physician, take chloroquine once a week on the same day every week to prevent malaria. Put a reminder on your calendar to help you remember. One to two weeks before to entering the malarious area, this medication is typically started. As prescribed by your physician, keep taking it once a week while you’re in the area and for four to eight weeks after you leave.

To treat malaria or an ameba infection, follow your doctor’s instructions.

If you are also taking a certain drug for diarrhea (kaolin) or taking antacids (such as magnesium/aluminum hydroxide), take chloroquine at least 4 hours before or after these products. These products may bind with chloroquine, preventing your body from fully absorbing it.

Precautions & Warnings :

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history before taking this medication, especially if you have a specific enzyme issue (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, or G6PD), vision or eye issues, hearing issues, kidney or liver disease, frequent alcohol use or abuse, skin issues (like psoriasis), a blood disorder (porphyria.

This product may have an impact on your blood sugar if you have diabetes. As instructed, check your blood sugar on a regular basis and let your doctor know the results. If you experience low blood sugar symptoms, notify your doctor immediately (see Side Effects section). Your doctor may need to make changes to your diet, exercise regimen, or diabetic medication.

You can become more sun-sensitive as a result of taking this drug. Don’t spend too much time in the sun. Steer clear of sunlamps and tanning booths. When you’re outside, wear protective clothes and apply sunscreen. If you get sunburned or experience blisters or redness on your skin, notify your doctor immediately.

Tell your doctor or dentist about everything you use, including herbal products, prescription medications, and over-the-counter medications, before undergoing surgery.

QT prolongation is a heart rhythm disorder that may be brought on by chloroquine. Serious (occasionally deadly) fast/irregular heartbeats and other symptoms (such extreme dizziness or fainting) that require immediate medical attention can be caused by QT prolongation.

This drug should only be taken when absolutely necessary during pregnancy. Consult your physician about the advantages and disadvantages.

Breast milk contains this medication. See your physician before to nursing.

Side Effects :

The following is a brief summary of some of the mild side effects that oral Chloroquine Phosphate tablets may have. Consult your physician or pharmacist, or review the prescribing information for Chloroquine Phosphate oral tablet, to find out about additional mild side effects.

Chloroquine Phosphate oral tablet mild side effects that have been documented include

• Rash
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea

Many medications have mild side effects that usually go away in a few days or weeks. Consult your physician or pharmacist, though, if they start to cause you problems.

Interactions :

Drug interactions can raise your chance of experiencing severe adverse effects or alter how your medications operate. Not every potential drug interaction is covered in this publication. Make a list of everything you use, including over-the-counter and prescription medications as well as herbal items, and provide it to your pharmacist and doctor. No medication should be started, stopped, or dosage changed without your doctor’s consent.

The following medications may interact with this medication: remdesivir, penicillamine, and mefloquine.

Chloroquine is not the only medication that can alter heart rhythm (QT prolongation). Amiodarone, azithromycin, disopyramide, dronedarone, pimozide, and quinidine are a few examples.

When using chloroquine, several vaccines, such as the cholera and rabies vaccines, may not function as well. Consult your physician for further information.

Overdose :

If someone has overdosed and is experiencing severe symptoms, such as unconsciousness or difficulty breathing, call 911. If not, immediately contact a poison control center.

Missed Dose : 

Try to take it at the same day every day. Do not double the dose if missed.

Storage :

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.