Chloroquine

About Malaria and Chloroquine

Chloroquine is an antimalarial medication used to help prevent and treat malaria, which is spread by infected mosquitoes. Common symptoms of malaria include headache, nausea, muscle pain, weakness and flu-like symptoms which begin to occur approximately 2-4 weeks after infection. When visiting high-risk destinations such as parts of Africa, the Middle East and South Asia, it is advised to protect against the disease which can be life-threatening if left untreated or not treated quickly enough. It is recommended to begin taking an antimalarial such as Chloroquine before travelling to protect against infection, although this medication can also be used to treat the disease.

Chloroquine tablets contain the active ingredient chloroquine phosphate.

Take Two tablets weekly, starting one week before entering the risk area and continue taking it for another four week after leaving the area.

Chloroquine Side Effects

Common Chloroquine side effects include abdominal pain and diarrhoea.

Less common side effects include headache, rashes, hearing disorders, mood changes, low blood pressure, convulsions, movement disorders, blurred vision, lightening of skin and hair loss.

In very rare cases side effects of chloroquine can include bone marrow suppression, hives and swelling.