Chlorquin

Generic Name: Chloroquine phosphate
Product Name: Chlorquin

Indication

Used for the treatment and suppression of malaria and amoebic hepatitis.

Used as part of the treatment during certain phases of lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and related collagen disease.

Action

Chloroquine has antimalarial, amoebicidal and anti-inflammatory activity

Dose advice

Malaria

Suppression:

Adults, Children > 8 years: 2 tablets (310 mg), taken on the same day each week, commencing 2 weeks before exposure and continuing for 4 weeks after exposure.

Children 1-4 years: tablet. 4-8 years: 1 tablet.

Therapeutic:

Adults: initial dose of 4 tablets, followed by 2 tablets 8 hours later, then 2 tablets in a single dose each day for 2 days, then 2 tablets weekly for 4 weeks.

Amoebic meningitis: 4 tablets daily in divided doses for 2 days, then 1 tablet twice daily for 2-3 weeks.

Lupus erythematosus: 1 tablet twice daily for 1-2 weeks, followed by maintenance dose of 1 tablet daily.

Rheumatoid arthritis: 1 tablet 1-2 times daily, with meals for 4-12 weeks. Prolonged courses are sometimes necessary, as therapeutic response may be delayed. If side effects appear withdraw Chloroquine until the disappear, then reinstate treatment with tablet daily, increasing to 1 tablet if tolerated.

Use in pregnancy (Category D)

Use is accepted as benefit to mother and fetus outweighs risk, however if possible, women taking chloroquine should avoid becoming pregnant.

Use in lactation

A small amount of chloroquine is excreted in the breast milk, however separate chemoprophylaxis is required for the infant.

Schedule

S4

Common side effects

• Headache.
• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort and cramps, slight weight loss.

Uncommon side effects

• Pruritus, urticaria, bluish-black discolouration of nails, photosensitivity.
• Nervousness, fatigue.
• Tinnitus.

For further information talk to your doctor.