CHLOROQUINE PHOSPHATE

Electrolyte / Mineral

Brand names: Chloroquine Phosphate

Oral

Mechanism of Action

Mechanism of Action: Chloroquine, a 4-aminoquinoline, is an anti-protozoal agent. The precise mechanism by which chloroquine exhibits activity is not known. Chloroquine, may exert its effect against Plasmodium species by concentrating in the acid vesicles of the parasite and by inhibiting polymerization of heme. It can also inhibit certain enzymes by its interaction with DNA. Activity in Vitro and in Clinical Infections: Chloroquine is active against the erythrocytic forms of susceptible strains of Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale , and Plasmodium vivax . Chloroquine is not active against the gametocytes and the exoerythrocytic forms including the hypnozoite stage ( P. vivax and P. ovale ) of the Plasmodium parasites. In vitro studies with Chloroquine demonstrated that it is active against the trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica. Drug Resistance: Resistance of Plasmodium parasites to chloroquine is widespread (see INDICATIONS AND USAGE , Limitations of Use

Indications

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Chloroquine phosphate tablets are indicated for the: Treatment of uncomplicated malaria due to susceptible strains of P. falciparum

P.malariae

P. ovale

cerebral malaria or acute renal failure). Do not use chloroquine phosphate tablets for malaria prophylaxis in areas where chloroquine resistance occurs

Resistance to chloroquine phosphate tablets is widespread in P. falciparum

FDA Warnings

WARNINGS Chloroquine-Resistant Malaria Chloroquine phosphate tablets are not effective against chloroquine-or hydroxychloroquine-resistant strains of Plasmodium species (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY , Microbiology )
Cardiac Effects including Cardiomyopathy and QT prolongation Fatal and life-threatening cardiotoxicity, including cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias, have been reported with the use of chloroquine (see ADVERSE REACTIONS and OVERDOSAGE )
The risk is greater if chloroquine is administered at high doses
Chloroquine should be used with caution in patients with cardiac disease,a history of ventricular arrhythmias, uncorrected hypokalemia and/or hypomagnesemia, or bradycardia (< 50bpm), and during concomitant administration with QT interval prolonging agents due to potential for QT interval prolongation (see WARNINGS , PRECAUTIONS , Drug Interactions, ADVERSE REACTIONS and OVERDOSAGE ) Monitor for signs and symptoms of cardiotoxicity is suspected or demonstrated by tissue biopsy

Known Side Effects

9 documented side effects by frequency

Vomiting

1-10%

Nausea

1-10%

Headache

1-10%

High Blood Pressure

1-10%

Fever

1-10%

Fatigue

1-10%

Drug Not Working

1-10%

Abdominal Pain

1-10%

Shortness of Breath

0.1-1%

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Formulations

Dosage Forms

Tablet

Route

Oral