CHLOROQUINE 250 MG

Description

Uses of Chloroquine 250mg

Chloroquine 250mg is primarily used to treat and prevent malaria, a life-threatening mosquito-borne disease. It works by killing the parasites responsible for causing malaria in the body. In addition to malaria, Chloroquine is also used to treat certain autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Malaria Prevention and Treatment:

• Primarily used to prevent and treat malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax, P. malaria, and P. ovule.
• Ineffective against Plasmodium falciparum in regions with chloroquine-resistant strains.

Amoebiasis:

• Effective in treating extraintestinal amebiasis, such as liver abscesses caused by Entamoeba histolytica.

Autoimmune Diseases:

• Used to manage inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus due to its immunomodulatory effects.

Off-Label Uses:

• Investigated for other conditions, such as porphyria cutanea tarda and certain viral infections, though these uses are less common.

Dosage Guidelines

For Malaria:

Treatment:

• Adult dose: 1 g initially (equivalent to 4 tablets of 250 mg), followed by 500 mg (2 tablets) at 6 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours after the initial dose.

Prevention:

• Adults: 500 mg (2 tablets) once weekly, starting 1-2 weeks before travel and continuing for 4 weeks after leaving the malaria-endemic area.

For Autoimmune Conditions:

• Dosage varies but is usually between 250 mg and 500 mg daily, depending on the condition and severity.

Pediatric Dosage:

• Calculated based on body weight; usually 10 mg/kg for treatment and 5 mg/kg for prevention, but always under medical supervision.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Stomach cramps.
• Headache.
• Itching (especially in people of African descent).

Less common but serious side effects:

• Vision problems: Retinal toxicity, which may lead to irreversible damage with prolonged use.
• Hearing loss or tinnitus.
• Cardiovascular effects: Arrhythmias, QT interval prolongation.
• Psychiatric effects: Anxiety, depression, or psychosis.
• Neurological effects: Seizures or neuropathy.

Precautions

1. Eye Examination:

   • Regular eye check-ups are required, especially for long-term use, to monitor for retinal damage.

2. Cardiac Risk:

   • Patients with a history of heart disease or on medications that prolong the QT interval should use chloroquine with caution.

3. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

   • Generally considered safe during pregnancy, especially for malaria prevention, but only under medical supervision.
   • Excreted in breast milk; consult a healthcare provider before use.

4. Liver and Kidney Function:

   • Patients with hepatic or renal impairment need dosage adjustments.

5. Drug Interactions:

   • Avoid concurrent use with other drugs that affect heart rhythm (e.g., amiodarone, quinidine).
   • Can interact with antacids and kaolin, reducing its absorption.

6. Resistance Issues:

   • Not effective against chloroquine-resistant strains of malaria. Use alternative medications in such cases.

Potential Benefits

• Chloroquine has been a cornerstone in the fight against malaria and is critical for managing autoimmune conditions due to its ability to modulate immune responses.
• Its affordability and availability make it an essential drug in low-resource settings.

Conclusion

Chloroquine 250mg remains an important medication, but its use must be carefully monitored to avoid toxicity and resistance issues. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting or adjusting the dosage of chloroquine.