Chloroquine Phosphate

Chloroquine Phosphate is a antimalarial (4-aminoquinoline) medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Treatment of chloroquine-sensitive malaria.
• Prevention of malaria in areas where chloroquine-sensitive malaria is present.
• Treatment of extraintestinal amoebiasis, usually with other appropriate anti-amoebic medicines, when prescribed.

Adult dosing depends on the indication, body weight, local malaria resistance pattern, and the exact salt strength of the product. For malaria treatment, chloroquine is usually given as a short course; for prevention, it is taken on a regular schedule before, during, and after travel or exposure. For amoebiasis, it is used only when specifically prescribed and usually with another medicine. Follow the registered doctor’s prescription exactly and do not change the dose or stop early without advice.

• Common effects may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness, itching, rash, and blurred vision.
• It may cause low blood sugar, especially in people using diabetes medicines.
• Serious effects can include heart rhythm problems, fainting, seizures, severe allergic reactions, severe skin reactions, blood disorders, liver problems, mood or psychiatric changes, and muscle weakness.
• Long-term or high-dose use can cause retinal damage and permanent vision problems; eye monitoring may be needed when used for prolonged periods.

Use Chloroquine Phosphate with caution in people with heart disease, abnormal ECG or QT prolongation, electrolyte problems, liver or kidney disease, epilepsy or seizure history, psoriasis, porphyria, G6PD deficiency, eye disease, hearing problems, or diabetes. Tell the doctor about all medicines and supplements being used. Use this medicine only under a registered doctor’s or pharmacist’s guidance, especially for malaria because local resistance and correct dosing are critical.

• Medicines that prolong the QT interval, such as amiodarone, sotalol, certain macrolide or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, some antipsychotics, and some antidepressants, may increase the risk of serious heart rhythm problems.
• Mefloquine and other medicines that lower the seizure threshold may increase seizure risk.
• Antacids, kaolin, and similar adsorbents can reduce absorption; doses may need to be separated as advised by a clinician.
• Cimetidine may increase chloroquine levels and side effects.
• Chloroquine may increase levels or effects of digoxin or ciclosporin.
• It may reduce the effectiveness of some antiepileptic medicines and may increase hypoglycaemia risk with insulin or oral diabetes medicines.
• Tamoxifen may increase the risk of retinal toxicity when used with chloroquine.

• Known hypersensitivity to chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, other 4-aminoquinolines, or any ingredient of the product.
• Do not use for malaria caused by chloroquine-resistant parasites or in areas where chloroquine resistance is likely, unless specifically directed by an appropriate clinician.
• Pre-existing retinal or visual field changes require specialist assessment; chloroquine should generally be avoided for long-term use in such patients unless the prescriber decides the benefit outweighs the risk.

Malaria in pregnancy can be dangerous for both mother and baby. Chloroquine may be used during pregnancy for chloroquine-sensitive malaria treatment or prevention when recommended by a doctor. It passes into breast milk in small amounts and is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding at prescribed doses, but breast milk does not provide enough medicine to protect an infant from malaria; the infant needs separate medical advice.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed and out of reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date, and follow the product label for any specific storage instructions for capsules, tablets, or syrup.