Chloroquine

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

Mirquin, Nivaquine, Plasmoquine

Drug group:

Antimalarial drug, disease-modifying antirheumatic drug

Prescription needed?

Yes (except for malaria prevention)

What does it do?

Chloroquine can be used for the prevention and treatment of malaria, but only in areas where no resistance to the drug has developed.

• Malaria prevention: a low dose is used by travellers to endemic areas
• Malaria treatment: If no resistance, oral chloroquine can clear malaria in a few days, but injections may be given in severe cases

Chloroquine can also be used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus.

How should it be used?

Chloroquine should be taken with food to avoid gastrointestinal side effects

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Prevention of malaria: 310mg (2 tablets) once weekly, on the same day each week,  starting 1 week before entering endemic area, and continuing for 4 weeks after leaving
• Treatment of malaria: 1–2 x daily, initial dose 620mg (4 tablets), then 310mg daily
• Rheumatoid arthritis/lupus erythematosus: 150mg 1–2 x daily

How quickly will it start to work?

2–3 days (full effect may not be felt for up to 6 months in rheumatoid arthritis)
                   

How long will the effects last?

Up to 1 week

When should I stop using it?

Do not stop the drug without consulting your doctor

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Long-term use of chloroquine can cause retinal damage (resulting in blurred vision or even blindness), and blood disorders. Regular blood counts and eye examinations may be needed.

What are the possible side effects?

The following have been reported:

• More common: nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, headache
• Less common: dizziness, hearing problems, hair loss, depigmentation of the skin
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: rash, changes in vision

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: liver/kidney problems, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, eye/vision problems, psoriasis, history of seizures or epilepsy, porphyria
• Other medicines: ciclosporin, digoxin, antiepileptic drugs, amiodarone, bosutinib, droperidol, moxifloxacin, mefloquine
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: No evidence of risk with low doses, discuss with your doctor
• Children: Reduced dose necessary
• Over 60: No special problems
• Driving and hazardous work: Caution, may cause dizziness and changes in vision
• Alcohol: Keep consumption low