Aralen

Aralen

     * Generic Name: chloroquine
     * Brand Name: Aralen


     * What is chloroquine?
     * What are the possible side effects of chloroquine?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       chloroquine?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       chloroquine?
     * How should I take chloroquine?
     * What happens if I miss a dose?
     * What happens if I overdose?
     * What should I avoid while taking chloroquine?
     * What other drugs will affect chloroquine?
     * Where can I get more information?

What is chloroquine?

   Chloroquine is an anti-malaria medicine that works by interfering
   with the growth of parasites in the red blood cells of the human
   body.

   Parasites that cause malaria typically enter the body through the bite
   of a mosquito. Malaria is common in areas such as Africa, South
   America, and Southern Asia.

   Chloroquine is used to treat and to prevent malaria. Chloroquine is
   also used to treat amebiasis (infection caused by amoebae).

   Chloroquine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

What are the possible side effects of chloroquine?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction
   (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a
   severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes,
   skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering
   and peeling).

   Taking chloroquine long-term or at high doses may cause irreversible
   damage to the retina of your eye. Stop taking this medicine and
   call your doctor at once if you have trouble focusing, if you see light
   streaks or flashes in your vision, or if you notice any swelling or
   color changes in your eyes.

   Call your doctor at once if you have:
     * vision problems, trouble reading or seeing objects, hazy vision;
     * fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of
       breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);
     * severe muscle weakness, loss of coordination, underactive
       reflexes;
     * hearing loss or ringing in the ears;
     * a seizure (convulsions); or
     * upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowing
       of the skin or eyes).

   Common side effects may include:
     * diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps;
     * headache;
     * changes in hair or skin color;
     * temporary hair loss; or
     * mild muscle weakness.

   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.

What is the most important information I should know about chloroquine?

   You should not use this medicine if you have a history of vision
   changes or damage to your retina caused by chloroquine or similar
   anti-malaria medications.

   Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have
   trouble focusing, if you see light streaks or flashes in your vision,
   or if you notice any swelling or color changes in your eyes.

   An overdose of chloroquine can be fatal, especially in children.

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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking chloroquine?

   You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to chloroquine or
   hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), or if you have:
     * a history of vision changes or damage to your retina caused by an
       anti-malaria medication.

   To make sure chloroquine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have
   ever had:
     * heart disease, heart rhythm disorder (such as long QT
       syndrome);
     * an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium
       or magnesium in your blood);
     * psoriasis;
     * porphyria;
     * liver or kidney disease;
     * alcoholism;
     * epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
     * glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency; or
     * problems with your vision or hearing.

   It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell
   your doctor if you are pregnant.

   Malaria is more likely to cause death in a pregnant woman. If you are
   pregnant, talk with your doctor about the risks of traveling to areas
   where malaria is common.

   Chloroquine can pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in the
   nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How should I take chloroquine?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this
   medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

   To prevent malaria: Start taking the medicine 2 weeks before entering
   an area where malaria is common. Chloroquine is usually taken once per
   week on the same day each week. Continue taking the medicine regularly
   during your stay and for at least 8 weeks after you leave the area.

   If you stop using chloroquine early for any reason, talk to your doctor
   about other forms of malaria prevention.

   To treat malaria: Chloroquine is usually given for 3 days, starting
   with one high dose followed by a smaller dose during the next 2 days in
   a row.

   To treat amebiasis: Chloroquine is given in a high starting dose for 2
   days followed by a smaller dose for 2 to 3 weeks. You may be given
   other medications to help prevent further infection.

   Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

   Take this medicine for the full prescribed length of time for treatment
   of malaria. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is
   completely cleared.

   If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical
   tests.

   Use protective clothing, insect repellents, and mosquito netting around
   your bed to further prevent mosquito bites that could cause malaria.

   Call your doctor as soon as possible if you have been exposed to
   malaria, or if you have fever or other symptoms of illness during or
   after a stay in an area where malaria is common.

   No medication is 100% effective in treating or preventing all types of
   malaria. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk
   with your doctor if you have fever, vomiting, or diarrhea during your
   treatment.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

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What happens if I miss a dose?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222. An overdose of chloroquine can be fatal, especially in
   children.

   Chloroquine overdose must be treated quickly. You may be told to induce
   vomiting right away (at home, before transport to an emergency room).
   Ask the poison control center how to induce vomiting in the case of an
   overdose.

   Overdose symptoms may include headache, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting,
   vision changes, seizure (convulsions), slow heart rate, weak pulse,
   fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop).

What should I avoid while taking chloroquine?

   Avoid taking an antacid or Kaopectate (kaolin-pectin) within 4
   hours before or after you take chloroquine. Some antacids can make
   it harder for your body to absorb chloroquine.

   If you also take an antibiotic called ampicillin, avoid taking
   it within 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take chloroquine.
   Chloroquine can make ampicillin much less effective when taken at the
   same time.

   This medication may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking
   or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you
   to be alert and able to see clearly.

What other drugs will affect chloroquine?

   Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or
   stop using, especially:
     * cimetidine;
     * cyclosporine;
     * mefloquine;
     * praziquantel;
     * tamoxifen;
     * heart rhythm medication; or
     * insulin or oral diabetes medicine.

   This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with chloroquine,
   including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and
   herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this
   medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about chloroquine.
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