What it does
Chloroquine is a medication primarily used to prevent and treat malaria, an infection caused by parasites transmitted through mosquito bites.
Commonly used for: malaria (malaria infection), rheumatoid arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis), lupus erythematosus (lupus)
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
Ask about this medicine
Answers come only from this medicine's registration record, BNF monograph and interaction data - not medical advice.
Medicine sourcing is available in Kenya only. We don't sell or dispense medicines - licensed pharmacies do.
Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-21 17:37:38 · updated 2026-09-29 04:33:03
About this medicine
Chloroquine is a medication primarily used to prevent and treat malaria, an infection caused by parasites transmitted through mosquito bites.
What it treats
- malaria (malaria infection)
- rheumatoid arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis)
- lupus erythematosus (lupus)
How it works
Chloroquine works by interfering with the growth of parasites in the red blood cells, helping to clear the infection from the body.
Who it's for
Chloroquine is for people at risk of or diagnosed with malaria, and may also be prescribed for certain autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: chlloroquine
Chloroquine is an antimalarial medication primarily used for the prevention and treatment of malaria caused by Plasmodium species. It is also used in the treatment of amebiasis and certain autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Chloroquine has a long history of use, with its effectiveness attributed to its ability to accumulate in parasite-infected red blood cells, interfering with their metabolism and reproduction.
Indications
- Malaria prophylaxis
- Treatment of acute malaria
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Amebiasis
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific dosing recommendations.
Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific dosing recommendations.
Mechanism of action
Chloroquine exerts its antimalarial effects by inhibiting the heme polymerase enzyme in Plasmodium species, preventing the detoxification of heme into hemozoin. The accumulation of free heme is toxic to the parasite, leading to its death. Additionally, chloroquine has immunomodulatory effects that may contribute to its efficacy in autoimmune diseases.
Pharmacodynamics
Chloroquine has a rapid onset of action against the erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum and other species. It demonstrates dose-dependent activity, with higher concentrations leading to increased toxicity to the parasite. The drug also affects lysosomal function, leading to altered cellular metabolism in both parasites and human cells.
Pharmacokinetics
Chloroquine is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 2-6 hours after oral administration. It is widely distributed throughout the body, including into tissues such as the liver, lungs, and brain. The drug is metabolized in the liver, primarily through cytochrome P450 enzymes, and has a long half-life, allowing for once-daily dosing. Renal excretion of unchanged drug and metabolites occurs, with a significant portion excreted in feces.
Contra-indications
- Hypersensitivity to chloroquine
- Retinal or visual field changes attributable to 4-aminoquinoline compounds
- Porphyria
- Severe hepatic impairment
Adverse effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Headache
- Rash
- Pruritus
- Cinchonism (tinnitus, headache, nausea)
- Retinal damage (with prolonged use)
- Blood dyscrasias (rare)
Interactions
- Antacids may reduce absorption
- Cimetidine may increase plasma concentration
- Concomitant use with mefloquine may increase risk of seizures
- Anticonvulsants may decrease the effectiveness of chloroquine
Precautions
- Regular monitoring of liver function tests
- Periodic eye examinations for prolonged therapy
- Use with caution in patients with a history of seizures
- Use with caution in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
Pregnancy
Chloroquine is classified as category C. It should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Breast-feeding
Chloroquine is excreted in breast milk. Caution should be exercised when administering to nursing women.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from light. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Tablets (various strengths)
- Injection (for intravenous use, various strengths)
- Oral suspension
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.