Chloroquine (50mg)

Chloroquine (50mg) — Uses and Benefits

Chloroquine is mainly used for treating and preventing malaria.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Treatment of malaria caused by sensitive strains of Plasmodium
• Prevention (prophylaxis) of malaria in people travelling to malaria-prone areas
• Treatment of extraintestinal amoebiasis (liver infection caused by amoeba), when prescribed by a doctor

HOW IT WORKS

• It enters the malaria parasite and interferes with its ability to break down and use haemoglobin
• This stops the parasite from multiplying inside red blood cells
• It also has mild anti-inflammatory action, though it is not a first-line drug for that purpose

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• It is not used for treating viral infections like common cold or flu
• It is not a painkiller for routine fever or body ache
• It should not be used for malaria caused by chloroquine-resistant parasites without doctor's advice
• It is not a substitute for other prescribed antimalarial combination therapy where resistance is known

How to Use Chloroquine (50mg)

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, in the dose and duration advised
• Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water, preferably with food or milk to reduce stomach upset
• Do not increase or decrease the dose on your own
• If taking it for malaria prevention, start it before travel and continue for the full period advised by your doctor
• Complete the full course even if you feel better before finishing it

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one
• If you miss doses often, set a reminder or ask your pharmacist for help

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep the medicine in its original container, tightly closed
• Keep out of reach of children, as overdose can be dangerous
• Do not use the medicine after its expiry date

Chloroquine (50mg) — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach upset or loss of appetite
• Headache
• Mild dizziness

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Itching or skin rash
• Blurred vision
• Hair loss or lightening of hair colour
• Diarrhoea

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Vision changes or difficulty seeing clearly (may indicate eye damage with long-term use)
• Irregular heartbeat, chest pain, or fainting
• Severe skin reaction, swelling of face/lips/tongue, or difficulty breathing (allergic reaction)
• Unusual bleeding, severe weakness, or muscle pain (rare blood or muscle problems)
• Seizures or unusual mood/behaviour changes

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Chloroquine (50mg) — Safety Information and Precautions

This medicine is available only with a valid doctor's prescription in India.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to chloroquine or related antimalarial medicines
• Have a known history of retinal or visual field changes caused by chloroquine
• Have certain pre-existing heart rhythm problems, unless specifically advised by your doctor

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have liver or kidney disease
• Have a history of epilepsy or seizure disorders
• Have psoriasis or porphyria, as it may worsen these conditions
• Have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Have any existing eye or hearing problems

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Other medicines that affect heart rhythm
• Antacids containing aluminium or magnesium (take a few hours apart from chloroquine)
• Certain antibiotics and antiepileptic medicines
• Medicines affecting the liver
• Always inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbal products you take

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I stop taking it once I feel better?

No, complete the full course as prescribed, even if symptoms improve earlier.

Is it safe for long-term use?

Long-term use requires regular eye check-ups because of a small risk of retinal damage; only use as long as your doctor advises.

Can children take this medicine?

• Yes, but the dose must be carefully calculated by a doctor based on body weight, as overdose in children can be dangerous.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.