What is Aralen Phosphate (Chloroquine)?
Chloroquine is an antimalarial drug. The exact way that chloroquine works is unknown.
Chloroquine is used to treat and to prevent malaria. Chloroquine is also used to treat infections caused by amoebae.
Chloroquine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Aralen Phosphate (Chloroquine)?
Use caution when driving or performing other hazardous activities until you know how this medication affects you. Chloroquine may cause visual disturbances such as blurred vision, misty vision, and difficulty focusing. Report any vision or hearing changes to your doctor.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Aralen Phosphate (Chloroquine)?
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
- had a previous allergic reaction to chloroquine
- glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency
- psoriasis
- porphyria; or
- liver disease
You may not be able to take chloroquine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your therapy if you have any of the conditions listed above.
It is not known whether chloroquine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take chloroquine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known how chloroquine will affect a nursing infant. Do not take chloroquine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Aralen Phosphate Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Aralen Phosphate (Chloroquine)?
Stop taking chloroquine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (flushing; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; vision problems; rash; itching; or fever).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take chloroquine and talk to your doctor if you experience
- visual disturbances such as blurred vision, misty vision, and difficulty focusing
- hearing loss or ringing in the ears
- diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain or upset, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- muscle weakness; or
- a rash
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Aralen Phosphate Interactions
What other drugs affect Aralen Phosphate (Chloroquine)?
Cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB) may increase the effects of chloroquine, which could lead to toxicity. Do not take cimetidine without first talking to your doctor.
Kaolin and magnesium trisilicate may decrease the effects of chloroquine. These ingredients can be found in products such as Kaopectate Advanced Formula, Parepectolin, K-Pek, K-C, Kaodene Non-Narcotic, Kao-Spen, Gaviscon, and others.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with chloroquine. Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, without first talking to your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Aralen Phosphate (Chloroquine)?
Use caution when driving or performing other hazardous activities until you know how this medication affects you. Chloroquine may cause visual disturbances such as blurred vision, misty vision, and difficulty focusing. Report any vision or hearing changes to your doctor.
Aralen Phosphate Dosage
How should I take Aralen Phosphate (Chloroquine)?
Take chloroquine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Take chloroquine with food to lessen stomach upset.
It is important to take chloroquine regularly to get the most benefit.
Store chloroquine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I overdose on Aralen Phosphate (Chloroquine)?
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of a chloroquine overdose include headache, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, visual changes, seizures, difficulty breathing, and unconsciousness.
What happens if I miss a dose of Aralen Phosphate (Chloroquine)?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
Edited from everydayhealth.com