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Chloroquine is an antimalarial and antiparasitic agent usually supplied in the form of chloroquine phosphate. The phosphate salt delivers the active chloroquine base; common tablet strengths encountered in UK supply are 250 mg phosphate (about 155 mg base) and 500 mg phosphate (about 300 mg base).
Historically chloroquine has been used for prevention and treatment of malaria when the infecting Plasmodium species remains sensitive. It is also employed for some extraintestinal amebic infections in combination with a luminal amebicide.
Resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to chloroquine is widespread in many regions. Before relying on chloroquine for prevention or therapy, consult current travel-health recommendations or specialist advice.
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Uses and clinical signs indicating
Where parasites are susceptible, chloroquine may be used for:
- Treatment and weekly prophylaxis of malaria due to Plasmodium vivax, P. ovale and P. malariae, and for P. falciparum strains that remain chloroquine-sensitive.
- Treatment of extraintestinal amebiasis, usually as part of a regimen that includes a luminal agent to eradicate intestinal carriage.
Because susceptibility varies with geographyplease take a moment to check. destination-specific guidance such as NHS Fit for Travel or consult a travel clinic for up-to-date recommendations.
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Administrative tips alongside the dose was skipped care and guidance
Always follow the instructions provided by your prescriber or pharmacist. The practical suggestions below can help reduce collateral effects and improve adherence.
- Take chloroquine with food or a milk drink if you get stomach discomfort unless your clinician advises otherwise.
- Do not increase your dose or take doses more frequently than prescribed. In an a fatal overdose can cause serious harm.
- For once-weekly prophylaxis, choose a regular weekday and take the tablet on the same day each week.
- For travel prevention, complete the recommended post-travel period of prophylaxis after leaving the malarious area; see the dosing section for typical durations.
When one dose is missed and remember soon afterwards, take it. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the not taking my dose; do not double up to catch up.
Dose level details for malaria and amebiasis
Many dosing recommendations are expressed in terms of chloroquine base. Typical conversions used in clinical practice are:
- 250 mg chloroquine phosphate = approx 155 mg chloroquine base.
- 500 mg chloroquine phosphate = approx 300 mg chloroquine base.
Malaria protection measures (weekly)
Adults: a usual preventive regimen is 500 mg chloroquine phosphate (about 300 mg base) once weekly on a fixed day.
Minor children: use approximately 5 mg chloroquine base per kg of body weight per week, not exceeding the adult weekly dose.
Start one to two weeks before exposure if possible. For short-notice travel clinicians may use an adult loading approach on day 1 of 1 g phosphate (approx 600 mg base) split into two doses about 6 hours apart. Continue weekly during exposure and for 4 to 8 weeks after leaving the malarious area; older guidance commonly advises 8 weeks.
Treatment of acute chloroquine-susceptible malaria
A typical adult three-day regimen is:
- Day 1: 1 g chloroquine phosphate (approx 600 mg base) initially, then 500 mg phosphate (approx 300 mg base) after 6 to 8 hours.
- Days 2 and 3: 500 mg chloroquine phosphate (approx 300 mg base) once daily.
Total adult course is roughly 2.less than five grams of chloroquine phosphate (around 1)5 g base) over three days.
Pediatric treatment is weight based and should not exceed adult single-dose maxima. An example schedule by weight is:
- First dose: 10 mg base per kg (maximum about 600 mg base).
- Second dose at 6 hours: 5 mg base per kg (maximum about 300 mg base).
- Third dose at 24 hours: 5 mg base per kg.
- Fourth dose at 36 hours: 5 mg base per kg.
Radical cure and extraintestinal amebiasis
For P. vivax or P. ovale infection an additional hypnozoitocidal agent such as primaquine or tafenoquine is required to prevent relapse; test for G6PD deficiency before giving these drugs.
Example for extraintestinal amebiasis: adults may be prescribed 1 g chloroquine phosphate once daily for 2 days followed by 500 mg once daily for 2 to 3 weeks, combined with a luminal amebicide such as diloxanide furoate or paromomycin to clear intestinal carriage.
Always follow local clinical guidance and adjust doses for weight, age and comorbidities as advised by your clinician.
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Safe modular storage systems allow easy reconfiguration. and end of life disposal
- Store tablets in a tightly closed container at normal room temperature, away from heat, damp and bright light.
- Do not freeze. Make certain medicines are out of reach of children and pets.
- Do not use past the expiry date. Dispose of unwanted or out-of-date medicines via pharmacy take-back services or local household hazardous waste arrangements.
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Safety protocols, a reciprocal exchanges create context for decisions. and system monitoring
Discuss your full medical history with a prescriber or pharmacist before starting chloroquine. Important considerations include existing eye disease, neuromuscular disorders, cardiac conditions, blood disorders and current medications.
- Longer courses or higher doses require periodic review; real time monitoring may include vision checks, blood tests and assessment of muscle strength.
- Report any new visual symptoms without delay. Chloroquine-related retinopathy can be serious and may continue progressing after stopping treatment.
- Avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience dizziness, visual disturbance or drowsiness.
- Check with your clinician about alcohol intake, herbal remedies and other drugs to identify feasible two-way communication in action scenarios.
- Pregnancy: use in pregnancy should be decided by a clinician weighing potential benefits and risks; some antimalarials are preferred in pregnancy depending on species and resistance patterns.
If your condition worsens or you do not improve within a few days during treatment seek medical advice promptly.
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Side effects, warning signs and overdose on medicine
Unwanted effects are influenced by dose and duration. Short therapeutic courses are usually tolerated better than long-term therapy. Contact a healthcare professional urgently for alarming symptoms severe symptoms.
Urgent warning signs
- Sudden or severe visual disturbance, eye pain or loss of vision.
- Unexplained bleeding, bruising, high fever, sore throat or other signs suggesting bone marrow suppression or infection.
- Epileptic convulsions, severe confusion, or major changes in mood or behavior.
- Chest pain, severe muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, or severe abdominal or back pain.
Commonly reported effects
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea or loss of appetite.
- Head pain and temporary visual blurring or difficulty focusing.
- Itchiness, which is reported more often in some population groups.
A rarer occurrence and rare reactions
- Skin eruptiones, hair thinning or increased hair loss in some cases.
- Rare pigmentary changes of skin, nails or oral mucosa.
Signs of they overdosed
- Marked drowsiness, agitation or severe headaches.
- Cardiac or severe neurological compromise requiring urgent hospital care.
If incidental effects persist or cause concern, contact your healthcare provider for assessment and possible to realize change of treatment.
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Secondary options, drugs with comparable effects and price comparison data
The most appropriate antimalarial depends on travel destination, local resistance patterns, medical history, pregnancy status and tolerance. Commonly suggested other options include:
- Atovaquone/proguanil (for example Malarone or generic): often chosen for prophylaxis where chloroquine resistance is common.
- Doxycycline: a daily preventive option; photosensitivity is a notable side effect to consider.
- Mefloquine (Lariam): weekly prophylaxis but may not be suitable for those with a history of psychiatric or neurological disorders.
- Artemisinin-based combination therapies (such as artemether-lumefantrine): standard treatments for uncomplicated falciparum malaria in many areas; used for treatment rather than prevention.
- Primaquine and tafenoquine: used to prevent relapse of P. vivax and P. ovale; require G6PD testing before you operate.
- Hydroxychloroquine: related compound mainly used for autoimmune diseases rather than routine prophylaxis in resistant areas.
For intestinal amebiasis systemic agents include metronidazole or tinidazole, usually followed by a luminal agent such as diloxanide furoate or paromomycin.
Standard projected wholesale pricing in GBP for the UK
Prices vary with brand, pack size, retailer and whether a private clinic fee is charged. The following are approximate retail ranges in the UK:
- Chloroquine phosphate 250 mg, 20 tablets: about 8 to 12 pounds.
- Chloroquine phosphate 500 mg, 20 tablets (where stocked): about 10 to 20 pounds.
- Atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone or generic) for a short trip: about 25 to 45 pounds.
- Doxycycline 100 mg for a multi-week supply: roughly 10 to 25 pounds.
- Mefloquine 250 mg course: typically 25 to 40 pounds.
- Artemether-lumefantrine treatment pack: about 30 to 60 pounds.
- Primaquine or tafenoquine: variable, often 20 to 60 pounds plus costs for required G6PD testing.
When purchasing online choose UK-registered pharmacies displaying General Pharmaceutical Council details. Confer with a professionalation fees or private clinic charges are sometimes additional.
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UK legal designation and how to obtain chloroquine
- Regulation: the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) regulates medicines in the UK; community pharmacies are overseen by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
- Classification: chloroquine intended for malaria prophylaxis (for example Avloclor 250 mg) is often sold as a Pharmacy medicine following pharmacist assessment. For treatment of malaria and other clinical symptoms supply is usually Prescription Only (POM).
- Supply routes: antimalarials can be dispensed under Patient Group Directions (PGDs), private prescriptions, or after pharmacist-led assessment and consultation; remote supply by registered pharmacies can be possible after a structured questionnaire and clinician or pharmacist review.
- Advertising and import: prescription-only medicines must not be advertised to the public. Importing prescription medicines for personal use is restricted; using a UK-registered supplier is recommended to ensure product quality and legal compliance.
- Before you purchase: confirm current supply classification and processes with a pharmacist or travel clinic; legal arrangements and product availability can change.
If you are uncertain whether chloroquine is appropriate or lawful for your particular use, contact a UK pharmacist, your GP or a travel health clinic for tailored advice.
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