• Treatment and prophylaxis of Plasmodium vivax, P. ovale, and P. malariae malaria
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Dosing for Malaria (Treatment):

  • Adult:

  • Day 1: PO 600 mg base (approx. 1,000 mg salt) stat, followed by 300 mg base (approx. 500 mg salt) after 6–8 hours
  • Days 2 and 3: 300 mg base OD

  • Pediatric: 10 mg/kg base stat, then 5 mg/kg base at 6 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours

Dosing for Malaria (Prophylaxis):

  • Adults: PO 300 mg base OD once weekly, starting 1–2 weeks before travel and continuing for 4 weeks after leaving endemic area

Dosing for Rheumatoid Arthritis/SLE:

  • PO 250–500 mg OD

  • 250 mg (equivalent to 155 mg chloroquine base)
  • 500mg (equivalent to 300 mg of chloroquine base)

  • Take orally with food or milk to reduce stomach upset
  • Do not crush or chew tablet
  • For malaria prophylaxis:once weekly on same day
  • For autoimmune diseases:once daily as prescribed
  • Do not exceed prescribed dose
  • Regular eye exams advised for long -term use

Class: 4-Aminoquinoline, Antimalarial, Anti-inflammatory

Mechanism of Action:

  • In malaria: concentrates in parasite food vacuoles, raising pH and inhibiting heme polymerase → toxic heme accumulation leads to parasite death
  • In autoimmune diseases: modulates immune activity, inhibits toll-like receptors (TLR) and reduces cytokine production

Pharmacokinetics:

  • Absorption: Well absorbed orally
  • Distribution: Widely distributed; high affinity for melanin-containing tissues (e.g., retina)
  • Elimination: Long half-life (up to 1–2 months); renal excretion

Coming soon

  • Hypersensitivity to chloroquine or related compounds
  • History of retinopathy or visual field changes
  • Psoriasis (may exacerbate)
  • Avoid with QT-prolonging drugs (risk of arrhythmias)
  • Antacids reduce absorption—separate doses by at least 2 hours
  • May enhance effects of digoxin and insulin/oral hypoglycemics
  • Avoid combining with mefloquine (increased risk of seizures)

                                   Drug Status

Availability
Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Schedule
BRAND NAME STRENGTH FORMULATION PACK SIZE MANUFACTURER DISTRIBUTOR
Bioquin 80mg/5mL Suspension 60mL Biodeal Labs Biodeal Labs
Cosmoquin 250mg Tablet 1000’s Cosmos Ltd Cosmos Ltd