Chloroquine (Aralen)

Category:

  • Antimalarial

Description:

  • Synthetic antimalarial

Indications:

  • Malaria prophylaxis

  • Malaria treatment

  • Amebiasis

Contraindications:

  • Retinal or visual field changes of any etiology

Precautions:

  • Pregnancy category C

  • Take with food or milk to decrease gastrointestinal side effects.

  • Report signs of “chinconism” (tinnitis, headache, nausea, vision changes)

  • Dosages expressed in form of Chloroquine base:

    • Chloroquine Phosphate 100mg = Chloroquine base 60mg

    • Chloroquine HCl 100mg = Chloroquine base 80mg

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

  • Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, anorexia, stomach pain

  • Chinconism

  • Muscle pain

  • Rash

Dosage:

  • Administered orally

  • Dosages listed in Chloroquine base strength (CB)

  • Malaria prophylaxis:

    • Begin treatment 1-2 weeks prior, during and 4 weeks post travel to endemic area

    • Administer dose on same day every week

    • Adult: 300mg CB once every week

    • Child: (dosed per age)

    • < 1 year old: 37.5mg CB

    • 1-3 years old: 75mg CB

    • 4-6 years old: 100mg CB

    • 7-10 years old: 150mg CB

    • 11-16 years old: 225mg CB

  • Malaria treatment:

    • Initial dose:

    • Adult: 600mg CB

    • Child: 10mg/kg

  • Second dose (6 hours later)

    • Adult: 300mg CB

    • Child: 5mg/kg CB

  • Doses days 2 & 3:

    • Adult: 300mg CB

    • Child: 5mg/kg CB

Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300  

Gynecology and Obstetrics CD-ROM
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2004 Edition
 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
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