Chloroquine Phosphate

Description

Chloroquine is an aminoquinoline. Its main component is chloroquine phosphate.

Uses

Chloroquine is used as a treatment as well as a prevention against specific strains of malaria. The parasites that cause malaria enter the human system through mosquito bites. The parasites then reside in certain tissues within the body such as the liver and red blood cells. Chloroquine is used to kill the parasites that are found within the red blood cells in the body. This medication disrupts the metabolism of the parasitic cells, resulting in their destruction.

Chloroquine can also help to prevent the recurrence of malaria in individuals. This is particularly important in countries where this disease is prevalent. This medication can also be used to treat another parasite derived disease known as extra-intestinal amebiasis.

Contact your physician to discover the other uses that this medication may have for you.

Dosage

You should always follow the prescription that has been provided to you by your physician. You should not take Chloroquine in concentrations that are smaller or larger than you have been instructed.

This medication should be taken orally.

As a preventative measure for malaria, Chloroquine should be taken in 500mg doses. It should be taken once a week on the same day. This therapy should begin two weeks before exposure to affected regions takes place.

To cure malaria in individuals under 60 kg, the total dosage should be 41.7mg of Chloroquine within a span of three days.

As a cure for malaria, the total dosage within the space of 3 days should be 2.5g of Chloroquine. This is for individuals who weigh more than 60 kg.

You should always follow the schedule for the doses. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If your next scheduled dose is due soon, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses together.

In the event of an overdose, call your local medical emergency services immediately.

Side Effects

There may be certain adverse effects experienced with Chloroquine. Some of the rare side effects that may be experienced with this medication are:

 Unusual stools
 Bleeding from the oral cavity
 Flaking or peeling of skin
 Presence of blood in urine or stools
 Vision problems
 Disorientation
 Cough
 Loose stools
 Lightheadedness
 Erratic heartbeat
 Fever
 Discomfort in the muscles or the joints
 Presence of swellings on the face or body
 Difficulty urinating
 Pallid complexion
 Presence of red dots on the skin
 Irritation of the throat
 Wounds in the mouth
 Excessive perspiration

In the event that you experience any of these adverse reactions, contact your physician immediately.

Contraindications

 Inform your physician if you are pregnant and have been prescribed Chloroquine. Seek advice from your doctor before you begin breastfeeding your child.

 Do not take this medication if you have experienced an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in Chloroquine.

 Do not take Chloroquine if you have a pre-existing eye condition.

 Inform your physician of any medications, prescribed or over the counter, which you may be taking. Tell your doctor about any herbal supplements that you may be consuming.