Chloroquine (Chloroquine)
Overview of Chloroquine
Chloroquine is a synthetic 4-aminoquinoline compound. It has antiprotozoal and anti-inflammatory properties. Chloroquine is formulated as phosphate salt for oral use and as hydrochloride for parentral use. Chloroquine is effective for the suppression and treatment of malaria and as an antiinflammatory in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It is also used to treat amebiasis.
Indication of Chloroquine
Chloroquine is primarily indicated in conditions like Adjunctive therapy without valproate, Amoebiasis, Cutaneous sarcoidosis, Discoid lupus erythematosus, Giardiasis, Malaria, Nocturia associated with multiple sclerosis, Polymorphous light eruption, Porphyria cutanea tarda, Protozoa infection, Rheumatoid arthritis, Solar urticaria, Systemic and discoid lupus erythematosus, Systemic lupus erythematosus, To reduce degradation of pancreatic enzyme supplements, Urticaria, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Porphyria, Scleroderma.
Contraindication of Chloroquine
Chloroquine is contraindicated in conditions like Anaemia,Psoriasis,Porphyrias,Leukopenia,Seizures,Retinal damage,Hypersensitivity,Alcohol abuse,Breast feeding.
Side Effects of Chloroquine
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Chloroquine, which give rise to further complications include Fever, Pruritis, Seizures, Retinopathy, Agitation, Blurred vision, Gastrointestinal upset.,Chloroquine produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Convulsions, Postural hypotension, Aplastic Anemia, Cardiopulmonary arrest, CVS depression, Psychosis, Aplastic anemia, Postural hypotension. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Chloroquine therapy.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Chloroquine include Nausea, Vomiting, Convulsions, Coma, Drowsiness, Drowsiness, Headache, Dysphagia, Cardiopulmonary arrest, Tremor, Fatal poisoning, Hoarseness, Nausea & vomiting, Visual distrubances, Weakness, Dyspnea.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Chloroquine are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, Blurred vision, Rashes, Urticaria, Itching, Hair loss, Skin eruptions, Bleaching of hair, Skin eruptions, Loss of appetite, dizziness.
Precautions of Chloroquine
Chloroquine should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing liver disease, blood disorders or psoriasis. This drug should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy or lactation. Chloroquine phosphate may cause upset stomach so take it with food. Do not use in patients having allergy to it. As Chloroquine phosphate may cause blurred vision so donot drive while using it. Do not breast feed.