Chloroquine Phosphate

Generic Details

Generic Name

Chloroquine Phosphate

Other Names

  • Aralen
  • Avloclor

Drug Class

  • Antimalarial

Chemical Formula

C18H26ClN3

Molecular Weight

319.872 g/mol

Mechanism of Action

  • Inhibits parasitic heme polymerase

Indications

  • Malaria treatment and prophylaxis

Common Dosage Forms

  • Tablet

Typical Dosage

  • 500mg

Pediatric Dosage

  • 5 mg/kg base (max 300 mg base)

Geriatric Dosage

  • Dose adjustment may be needed in renal impairment

Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Blurred vision

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to chloroquine
  • Psoriasis
  • Porphyria

Pregnancy Category

  • Category C - Risk cannot be ruled out

Lactation Safety

  • Compatible with breastfeeding

Drug Interactions

  • Cimetidine
  • Cyclosporine
  • Digoxin

Overdose Symptoms

  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Seizures

Antidote for Overdose

  • Activated charcoal
  • Supportive care

Storage Conditions

  • Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract
  • Distribution: Widely distributed in the body, including the liver and spleen
  • Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver to active and inactive compounds
  • Excretion: Excreted mainly in urine

Precautions

  • Regular ophthalmic monitoring is recommended
  • Caution in patients with renal impairment

Warnings

  • Could cause QT prolongation
  • May exacerbate psoriasis

Others

  • Chloroquine phosphate should not be used for COVID-19 unless under close medical supervision.