Chloroquine is used for the treatment and prevention of malaria. It may also be used to treat a parasitic infection called “amoebiasis”.
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
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.
This medicine should be taken with food or immediately after a meal to minimise stomach discomfort.
Take Chloroquine at regular intervals for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not clear completely.
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.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- ear or hearing problems
- stomach disease
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- G6PD deficiency (an inherited blood disorder that affects the red blood cell)
- porphyria (an inherited disorder that may cause skin or nervous problems)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have regular blood tests to check your body's response to the medicine. You may also need regular eye check-ups to ensure that Chloroquine does not cause any eye problems. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Chloroquine may cause any of the following side effects: headache, itchiness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, ringing in the ears and anxiety.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent)
- yellowing of the skin, eyes, pain near the stomach area
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. valproate
- other medicines to treat malaria e.g. halofantrine, mefloquine
- medicines for heart disease e.g. amiodarone
- medicines to neutralise stomach acid e.g. cimetidine
- antibiotics e.g. ampicillin
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Chloroquine.
This medicine should not be taken with antacids as antacids may reduce the effectiveness of Chloroquine. If you must take antacids, take between meals at least 2 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.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.