What is Chloroquine: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Chloroquine

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. If you take this medicine only once a week, always take it on the same day of each week.

• Malaria prevention while traveling: You may need to start using this medicine 2 weeks before you start your trip. You may also need to keep using this medicine for 8 weeks after you get home. Ask your doctor about your schedule.

• Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

• Missed dose: If you take your medicine once every 7 days, take the missed dose as soon as you can, then wait 7 days before taking another dose.If you take your medicine every day, take the missed dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next regular dose, wait until then to take your medicine and skip the missed dose.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Malaria prevention while traveling: You may need to start using this medicine 2 weeks before you start your trip. You may also need to keep using this medicine for 8 weeks after you get home. Ask your doctor about your schedule.

• Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. If you take this medicine only once a week, always take it on the same day of each week.

• Missed dose: If you take your medicine once every 7 days, take the missed dose as soon as you can, then wait 7 days before taking another dose.If you take your medicine every day, take the missed dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next regular dose, wait until then to take your medicine and skip the missed dose.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

What to do if you miss a dose of Chloroquine

Chloroquine contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to chloroquine or similar medicines. This medicine may increase your risk of heart rhythm problems (including QT prolongation, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia). Chloroquine should only be used for COVID-19 in a hospital or during clinical trials. Do not take any medicine that contains chloroquine unless prescribed by your doctor.

Chloroquine warnings

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, blood disorders (including porphyria, G6PD deficiency), psoriasis, hearing problems, or a history of epilepsy or heart rhythm problems. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.

• Tell your doctor if you have had eye or vision problems caused by chloroquine or similar drugs.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Heart problemsLow blood sugar, which could be life-threateningChanges in heart rhythm, including QT prolongationChanges in vision, eye damageMuscle and nerve problemIncreased risk of seizures

• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Chloroquine interactions

• Some medicines can affect how chloroquine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Azithromycin, cimetidine, cyclosporine, mefloquine, praziquantel, tamoxifenInsulin or other diabetes medicineMedicine to treat heart rhythm problems

• Tell your doctor if you need a rabies vaccine.

• Take antacids or kaolin at least 4 hours before or after taking this medicine.

• Take ampicillin at least 2 hours before or after taking this medicine.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. Your may need to have your eyes, ears, and reflexes tested.

• Children are very sensitive to this medicine. Accidental overdoses have occurred with small amounts of chloroquine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.