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EspañolChloroquine Phosphate overview
BRAND NAMES:
Aralen Phosphate
Generic Names:
Chloroquine Phosphate
Uses:
Prevents and treats malaria. Also treats extraintestinal amebiasis (liver infection). Also treats coronavirus (COVID-19) in certain hospitalized patients.
Therapeutic Classes:
Amebicide, Extraintestinal, Antimalarial, Antirheumatic
Forms:
Tablet
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What form(s) does Chloroquine Phosphate come in
Tablet
What are common Chloroquine Phosphate doses?
Tablet 250MG
Tablet 500MG
Bottle 25GM of
Common Chloroquine Phosphate prescriptions
Chloroquine Phosphate
250mg tabletChloroquine Phosphate
500mg tablet
How to take Chloroquine Phosphate
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. If you take this medicine only once a week, always take it on the same day of each week.
Malaria prevention while traveling: You may need to start using this medicine 2 weeks before you start your trip. You may also need to keep using this medicine for 8 weeks after you get home. Ask your doctor about your schedule.
Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
Missed dose: If you take your medicine once every 7 days, take the missed dose as soon as you can, then wait 7 days before taking another dose.If you take your medicine every day, take the missed dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next regular dose, wait until then to take your medicine and skip the missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Malaria prevention while traveling: You may need to start using this medicine 2 weeks before you start your trip. You may also need to keep using this medicine for 8 weeks after you get home. Ask your doctor about your schedule.
Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. If you take this medicine only once a week, always take it on the same day of each week.
Missed dose: If you take your medicine once every 7 days, take the missed dose as soon as you can, then wait 7 days before taking another dose.If you take your medicine every day, take the missed dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next regular dose, wait until then to take your medicine and skip the missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Chloroquine Phosphate contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to chloroquine or similar medicines. This medicine may increase your risk of heart rhythm problems (including QT prolongation, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia). Chloroquine should only be used for COVID-19 in a hospital or during clinical trials. Do not take any medicine that contains chloroquine unless prescribed by your doctor.
Chloroquine Phosphate warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, blood disorders (including porphyria, G6PD deficiency), psoriasis, hearing problems, or a history of epilepsy or heart rhythm problems. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
Tell your doctor if you have had eye or vision problems caused by chloroquine or similar drugs.
This medicine may cause the following problems:Heart problemsLow blood sugar, which could be life-threateningChanges in heart rhythm, including QT prolongationChanges in vision, eye damageMuscle and nerve problemIncreased risk of seizures
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Chloroquine Phosphate interactions
Some medicines can affect how chloroquine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Azithromycin, cimetidine, cyclosporine, mefloquine, praziquantel, tamoxifenInsulin or other diabetes medicineMedicine to treat heart rhythm problems
Tell your doctor if you need a rabies vaccine.
Take antacids or kaolin at least 4 hours before or after taking this medicine.
Take ampicillin at least 2 hours before or after taking this medicine.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. Your may need to have your eyes, ears, and reflexes tested.
Children are very sensitive to this medicine. Accidental overdoses have occurred with small amounts of chloroquine.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Chloroquine Phosphate side effects
Serious Side Effects
Changes in vision, trouble seeing, light flashes
Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Twitching or muscle movements you cannot control, problems with balance or walking, muscle weakness
Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
Increased hunger, headache, confusion, shaking, trembling, sweating
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
Trouble breathing, cold sweat, bluish-colored skin
Trouble hearing, ringing in the ears
Seizures
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing