Chloroquine

Chloroquine prevents and treats malaria. Take this medication with food to minimize stomach upset.

Chloroquine Overview

Reviewed: October 2, 2013
Updated: 

Chloroquine is a prescription medication used to prevent and treat malaria. It is also used to treat amebiasis (an infection caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica). This medication belongs to a group of drugs called antimalarials and amebicides. The exact way it works to kill parasites is unknown.

Chloroquine comes in tablet form. Take this medication with food to minimize stomach upset. Chloroquine is taken once or twice a day. If used for the prevention of malaria, it is taken once a week beginning 2 weeks prior to traveling to an area where malaria is common.

Common side effects include headache, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and upset stomach.

How was your experience with Chloroquine?

First, a little about yourself

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What tips would you provide a friend before taking Chloroquine?

What are you taking Chloroquine for?

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  • Other
  • Amebiasis
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid
  • Malaria
  • Malaria, Avian
  • Malaria, Falciparum
  • Pemphigus
  • Scleroderma, Systemic

How long have you been taking it?

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  • Less than a week
  • A couple weeks
  • A month or so
  • A few months
  • A year or so
  • Two years or more

How well did Chloroquine work for you?

Did you experience many side effects while taking this drug?

How likely would you be to recommend Chloroquine to a friend?

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Uses of Chloroquine

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Chloroquine is a prescription medication used to prevent and treat malaria. It is also used to treat amebiasis (an infection caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica).

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Chloroquine Brand Names

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Chloroquine may be found in some form under the following brand names:

Chloroquine Drug Class

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Chloroquine is part of the drug class:

Side Effects of Chloroquine

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Common side effects include:

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • stomach cramps
  • headache
  • loss of appetite
  • blurred vision
  • hearing problems
  • rash
  • hair loss

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

These are not all the possible side effects of chloroquine. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Chloroquine FDA Warning

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For Malaria and Extraintestinal Amebiasis

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