Chloroquine

About Chloroquine

This belongs to the group of medicines known as antimalarials.

Chloroquine is used to help prevent malaria. It can be used on its own or in combination with other antimalarials to increase its effectiveness. It can also be used to treat some forms of malaria.

Malaria is caused by a parasite that is passed to humans by mosquito bites. Chloroquine kills the parasite.

Because the pattern of malaria varies with the part of the world you are travelling to, the season and the type of activity you have planned, you should always obtain the latest advice from your doctor, pharmacist or travel organiser. A backpacking trip may well require different preventative measures than a business trip to a city.

Chloroquine can also be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus.

Chloroquine is available in in tablet and oral syrup form.

It is also sometimes known as: Avloclor; Nivaquine. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Chloroquine

Before taking Chloroquine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from kidney or liver problems
• if you suffer from epilepsy, G6PD deficiency, porphyria (blood disorders)
• if you suffer from psoriasis, myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease)
• if you suffer from any problems with your eyesight which is not corrected by wearing glasses
• if you suffer from any problems with your stomach or gut
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Chloroquine

• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Do not take indigestion remedies at the same time of day as chloroquine
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember and continue taking it at the usual times. If it is nearly time for your next dose, leave out the missed dose, never take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Chloroquine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their needs for malaria prevention seem to be the same as yours.

To protect against malaria

• Chloroquine should be taken the week before entering a malarial area to ensure there is enough medicine in the bloodstream to give you the required protection.
• You must continue to take Chloroquine throughout your stay and for four weeks after leaving the malaria zone.
• Chloroquine is taken WEEKLY. The dose should be taken on the same day each week with water.

To treat malaria

• Your doctor will tell you when and how you should take chloroquine.

To treat Rheumatoid Arthritis or Lupus Erythematosus

• Your doctor or specialist will tell you when and how you should take chloroquine.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Chloroquine.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking Chloroquine.
• Important: If you feel ill or develop a fever (flu like symptoms) while you are travelling or within three months of returning home check with your doctor immediately. Tell them that you have been to a malarial area. It is possible to develop malaria for up to two years after leaving the malarial area. If you develop any fever during that time see your doctor as soon as possible.
• Your skin may become more sensitive to sunlight while taking chloroquine. Avoid strong sunlight and sunbeds and wear a sun cream of at least SPF 15 until you know how your skin reacts.
• Chloroquine may affect your eyesight. Make sure that you are not affected before driving, operating machinery or doing other jobs that could be dangerous if you cannot see properly.

Chloroquine helps to prevent malaria developing if you take it properly. If you have diarrhoea or vomiting it may be less effective. If a malaria-carrying mosquito bites you then you could still contract malaria. Therefore you should take the following steps to reduce the risk of being bitten.

• Sleep in properly screened accommodation or sleep with mosquito netting around your bed.
• Using an insecticide spray in your room a couple of hours before going to bed will help, paying particular attention to furniture and under the bed where insects can hide.
• Use an insect repellent and wear light coloured clothing that covers most of the body, particularly after sunset as this is when mosquitoes feed.

Can Chloroquine cause problems?

Along with their needed effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your pharmacist or doctor if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

When chloroquine is taken for the prevention of malaria it is taken in low doses for a fairly short period of time. Side effects are more common in patients taking higher doses for longer periods of time for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Speak with your pharmacist or doctor if any of the following symptoms continue or become troublesome.

Upset tummy, feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, headache, skin rash, hair loss, discolouration of the hair, skin and nails, dry skin, problems with eyesight, buzzing in the ears, changes in mood, anxiety and muscle weakness.

Important: If you develop swelling of the face, lips, tongue and/or throat, breathing difficulties with or without swelling, or an itchy rash (similar to nettle rash or hives) stop taking Chloroquine and see a doctor immediately.

Important: If you notice any unexplained bruising or bleeding, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) or extreme tiredness contact your doctor immediately.

If you experience any other worrying side effects, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist or doctor.

How to store Chloroquine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS 2005   Updated: 20/01/2005