Chloroquine is used in the prevention and treatment of malaria (a disease characterised by chills, fever and sweating that is passed on to people through the bite of an infected mosquito).
This medicine may also be used to treat hepatic amoebiasis (liver infection caused by a certain parasite).
Chloroquine is also used to treat discoid and systemic lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the skin or other organs of the body).
It may also be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation in the joints of fingers, wrists, feet, and ankles).
Take Chloroquine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with food to reduce any stomach discomfort that it may cause. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Chloroquine is available as a tablet or oral syrup.
If you are taking the oral syrup, shake the bottle well before you take the medicine to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
If you are taking Chloroquine for the prevention of malaria, take it at least 1-2 weeks before travelling. Continue taking this medicine throughout the whole period of travel for at least 4 weeks after leaving the area.
If you are taking this medicine for other uses, you must take Chloroquine regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have problems in your vision due to any cause as Chloroquine may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Chloroquine with amiodarone (medicine for irregular heartbeat).
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart rhythm disorder and other heart diseases
- low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- porphyria (an inherited disorder that causes skin or nervous system abnormalities)
- psoriasis (a type of skin disease that allows the skin cells to rapidly build up causing itchy patches of thick, red skin and silvery scales)
- pre-existing hearing problems
- history of epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- G6PD deficiency (an inherited blood disorder where the body lacks a certain enzyme necessary for the proper functioning of red blood cells)
- severe stomach or bowel problems
- liver disease
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Chloroquine to a child.
In addition to taking this medicine to prevent malaria, you must also take preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites. Use an effective insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to reduce exposure. Avoid going out between dusk to dawn. Effective insect repellents should contain at least 20-33% diethyltoluamide (DEET).
The symptoms of malaria are fever, chills, headache, muscle pain and a flu-like illness. Consult a doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms during your travel or anytime within 1 year after leaving the area, especially within 3 months of your return from an area known to have malaria.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. eye examination, liver and kidney function, complete blood count, blood sugar levels, muscle strength determination, ECG [test used to record the electrical activity of the heart]) may be done while you are being treated with Chloroquine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs of heart problems and changes in vision, hearing, and mood or behaviour may also be needed.
You may experience some problems with your eyesight, such as blurred vision. Always keep your doctor updated on any changes in your eyesight. If you cannot see clearly, avoid driving and any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain or cramps, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, sensitivity of the skin to light, hair loss, and changes in the colour of nails or hair.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- irregular or abnormal heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling in the arms or feet, lightheadedness
- difficulty in focusing your eyes, double vision, changes in eye colour or the way you see colour
- trouble controlling body movements, stiffness, tremors, abnormal movements in the mouth and tongue
- muscle weakness, cramps, or pain
- ringing in the ears, hearing loss
- dizziness, shaky hands, feeling hungry, weakness, confusion, sweating
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour) or having thoughts of self-harm
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth, or eyes accompanied by fever
This medicine may cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to drop.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Inform your doctor if you have a fever, cough, or flu that does not go away.
Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Inform your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Chloroquine with amiodarone (medicine for irregular heartbeat).
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for malaria e.g. halofantrine, mefloquine
- other medicines for irregular heartbeat e.g. quinidine, digoxin
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, valproic acid
- certain antibiotics e.g. azithromycin, erythromycin, moxifloxacin
- medicines for diabetes e.g. insulin
- medicines to treat depression
- medicines for mood disorders
- ciclosporin (medicine used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders)
- cimetidine (medicine that reduces stomach acid production)
- tamoxifen (medicine for cancer)
- praziquantel (medicine for parasitic worm infections)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Chloroquine.
This medicine should not be taken with antacids and kaolin (medicine for diarrhoea) as they could reduce the effectiveness of Chloroquine. If you must take antacids and kaolin, take them between meals at least 4 hours after you have taken this medicine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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