- 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 |