Chloroquine (Aralen)

Category:

• Antimalarial

Description:

• Synthetic antimalarial

Indications:

• Malaria prophylaxis

• Malaria treatment

• Amebiasis

Contraindications:

• Retinal or visual field changes of any etiology

Precautions:

• Pregnancy category C

• Take with food or milk to decrease gastrointestinal side effects.

• Report signs of “chinconism” (tinnitis, headache, nausea, vision changes)

• Dosages expressed in form of Chloroquine base:

  • Chloroquine Phosphate 100mg = Chloroquine base 60mg

  • Chloroquine HCl 100mg = Chloroquine base 80mg

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, anorexia, stomach pain

• Chinconism

• Muscle pain

• Rash

Dosage:

• Administered orally

• Dosages listed in Chloroquine base strength (CB)

• Malaria prophylaxis:

  • Begin treatment 1-2 weeks prior, during and 4 weeks post travel to endemic area

  • Administer dose on same day every week

  • Adult: 300mg CB once every week

  • Child: (dosed per age)

  • < 1 year old: 37.5mg CB

  • 1-3 years old: 75mg CB

  • 4-6 years old: 100mg CB

  • 7-10 years old: 150mg CB

  • 11-16 years old: 225mg CB

• Malaria treatment:

  • Initial dose:

  • Adult: 600mg CB

  • Child: 10mg/kg

• Second dose (6 hours later)

  • Adult: 300mg CB

  • Child: 5mg/kg CB

• Doses days 2 & 3:

  • Adult: 300mg CB

  • Child: 5mg/kg CB