Chloroquine Phosphate

Chloroquine Phosphate Tablets – Antimalarial and Amebicidal Medication.

Chloroquine Phosphate tablets are an oral medication used to treat malaria and extraintestinal amebiasis. Each tablet contains 250 mg of chloroquine phosphate, which is equivalent to 150 mg of chloroquine base. This 4-aminoquinoline compound is a white, odorless, and bitter-tasting crystalline substance that is freely soluble in water.

Description

Chloroquine Phosphate tablets are indicated for the suppressive treatment and acute attacks of malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale, and susceptible strains of Plasmodium falciparum. It is also effective against the erythrocytic forms of these parasites but not the exoerythrocytic forms.

Clinical Use

• Malaria Prophylaxis: Adults should take 250 mg (150 mg base) once a week on the same day each week.
• Malaria Treatment: Adults should take an initial dose of 1 g (600 mg base), followed by 500 mg (300 mg base) after six to eight hours, and then a single dose of 500 mg (300 mg base) on each of two consecutive days.
• Infants and Children: The recommended dose is 10 mg base/kg followed by 5 mg base/kg at 6, 24, and 36 hours. The pediatric dose should never exceed the adult dose regardless of weight.

Side Effects and Precautions

Chloroquine can cause serious side effects, including cardiovascular and neurological issues. It is crucial to monitor potassium levels and manage arrhythmias and convulsions if necessary. Treatment for overdose involves immediate evacuation of the stomach by emesis or gastric lavage followed by treatment with activated charcoal and cardio-respiratory support.

Inactive Ingredients

Each tablet contains inactive ingredients such as colloidal silicon dioxide, dibasic calcium phosphate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch, and sodium starch glycolate.

Important Information

Chloroquine resistance is widespread, especially among Plasmodium falciparum strains. Therefore, it is essential to use this medication under medical supervision and follow the prescribed dosage carefully. For radical cure of vivax and malariae malaria, concomitant therapy with an 8-aminoquinoline compound is necessary.