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Chloroquine Phosphate: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh
Chloroquine Phosphate is indicated for the following uses: Established / Approved Uses Treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by chloroquine-sensitive strains of Plasmodium vivax , P.
About Chloroquine Phosphate
Indications of Chloroquine Phosphate
Chloroquine Phosphate is indicated for the following uses:
Established / Approved Uses
- Treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by chloroquine-sensitive strains of Plasmodium vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale, and susceptible strains of P. falciparum, in geographic areas without known chloroquine resistance.
- Prophylaxis (prevention) of malaria in travelers to regions where chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum has not been reported.
Adjunct / Combination Use
- Extraintestinal amebiasis (amebic liver abscess) — Chloroquine Phosphate is used only as an adjunct together with an effective intestinal amebicide; it is not effective against intestinal (luminal) amebiasis alone.
Off-Label Use
- Chloroquine Phosphate has been used off-label for certain autoimmune/rheumatic conditions such as discoid and systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, although hydroxychloroquine is generally preferred for these indications due to a more favorable safety/toxicity profile.
Chloroquine Phosphate is not effective against chloroquine-resistant strains of malaria and should not be relied upon in regions where resistance is documented; a physician should confirm local resistance patterns before prescribing.
Dosage & Administration of Chloroquine Phosphate
Dosage of Chloroquine Phosphate is expressed below as the phosphate salt, with the chloroquine base equivalent noted in parentheses; always confirm strength with the specific product label.
Adults
| Indication | Dosage |
|---|---|
| Treatment of acute malaria | 1 g (600 mg base) as an initial dose, followed by 500 mg (300 mg base) at 6 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours after the first dose (total 2.5 g phosphate / 1.5 g base over 3 days) |
| Malaria prophylaxis | 500 mg (300 mg base) once weekly on the same day each week, starting 1–2 weeks before entering an endemic area and continuing for 4 weeks after leaving |
| Extraintestinal amebiasis (with an intestinal amebicide) | 1 g (600 mg base) daily for 2 days, then 500 mg (300 mg base) daily for at least 2–3 weeks |
Children
| Indication | Dosage |
|---|---|
| Treatment of acute malaria | 10 mg base/kg (maximum 600 mg base) initially, then 5 mg base/kg at 6, 24, and 48 hours after the first dose |
| Malaria prophylaxis | 5 mg base/kg once weekly (maximum 300 mg base), starting 1–2 weeks before and continuing 4 weeks after travel to an endemic area |
Pediatric dosing must always be calculated on a mg/kg basis by a physician; the pediatric dose of Chloroquine Phosphate should never exceed the corresponding adult dose. Because Chloroquine Phosphate has a narrow margin between therapeutic and fatal doses, especially in children, dosage must be measured and administered with extreme care.
Renal/Hepatic Impairment
Chloroquine Phosphate should be used with caution and may require dose adjustment or closer monitoring in patients with significant renal or hepatic impairment, as elimination may be reduced; consult a physician for individualized dosing.
Administration
Chloroquine Phosphate should be taken orally with food or milk to reduce gastrointestinal upset, at the same time each day/week as prescribed. Doses of antacids or kaolin-containing products should be separated from Chloroquine Phosphate by at least 4 hours (see Interaction).
Side Effects of Chloroquine Phosphate
Common side effects of Chloroquine Phosphate include:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite
- Headache and dizziness
- Pruritus (itching), which can be pronounced in dark-skinned individuals
- Skin and mucous membrane pigmentation changes, hair loss or bleaching
- Blurred vision (usually reversible with short-term use)
Serious but less common effects include:
- Retinopathy with long-term use or high cumulative doses, which can be irreversible (see Precautions and Warnings)
- Cardiomyopathy and QT-interval prolongation, which can lead to serious arrhythmias (see Precautions and Warnings)
- Hemolytic anemia in individuals with G6PD deficiency
- Rare blood dyscrasias (e.g., agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia)
- Neuropsychiatric effects and neuromuscular weakness with prolonged use
Seek medical attention promptly for visual changes, palpitations, fainting, unusual bleeding/bruising, or signs of infection while taking Chloroquine Phosphate.
Contraindications of Chloroquine Phosphate
Chloroquine Phosphate is contraindicated in:
- Patients with known hypersensitivity to chloroquine, other 4-aminoquinoline compounds, or any component of the formulation.
- Patients with pre-existing retinal or visual field changes attributable to 4-aminoquinoline compounds.
- Patients with psoriasis, as Chloroquine Phosphate can precipitate a severe exacerbation of the disease.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chloroquine Phosphate
What is Chloroquine Phosphate used for?
Chloroquine Phosphate is primarily used to treat and prevent malaria caused by chloroquine-sensitive strains of Plasmodium parasites, and as an adjunct treatment for extraintestinal (liver) amebiasis together with an intestinal amebicide.
Can Chloroquine Phosphate be taken during pregnancy?
Chloroquine Phosphate should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed and if the potential benefit outweighs potential risk to the fetus. For malaria treatment or prevention, benefits generally outweigh risks because untreated malaria itself poses serious danger to mother and baby, but a physician should always guide use.
What are the serious risks of Chloroquine Phosphate?
With long-term or high-dose use, Chloroquine Phosphate can cause irreversible retinal damage (retinopathy) and, less commonly, heart problems including QT-interval prolongation and cardiomyopathy. Regular eye examinations and medical monitoring are recommended for extended therapy.
Is Chloroquine Phosphate dangerous in overdose, especially for children?
Yes. Chloroquine Phosphate has a narrow margin between an effective dose and a fatal one; even a single tablet can be fatal to a young child. Overdose is a medical emergency — seek immediate emergency care or contact poison control, and always store this medicine safely out of children's reach.
Can I take antacids with Chloroquine Phosphate?
Antacids and kaolin-containing products reduce the absorption of Chloroquine Phosphate. If you need an antacid, separate it from your Chloroquine Phosphate dose by at least 4 hours, and discuss the timing with your physician or pharmacist.
Who should not take Chloroquine Phosphate?
Chloroquine Phosphate should not be taken by people with known hypersensitivity to chloroquine or related 4-aminoquinoline drugs, those with pre-existing retinal/visual field changes from 4-aminoquinoline use, or those with psoriasis, as it can trigger a severe flare.
Disclaimer
The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.