What is Chloroquine Phosphate?

Chloroquine Phosphate is a drug that is mostly used to treat and prevent malaria, which is caused by Plasmodium parasites that are spread by mosquito bites.

Of course, it’s also used to treat inflammatory diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), even though it’s not on the label.

Chloroquine is a drug in the 4-aminoquinoline group that has been used a lot since the 1940s.

Overview

Description

Chloroquine phosphate is a white, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that dissolves rapidly in water.

It is a chloroquine salt that is intended to boost the compound’s solubility and stability for medicinal applications.

Chloroquine inhibits parasite growth in human red blood cells.

Malaria accumulates in the parasite’s feeding vacuole, inhibiting heme polymerase and causing a hazardous buildup of free heme.

Uses of Chloroquine Phosphate

Chloroquine phosphate is mostly used to prevent and treat Plasmodium-induced malaria. It treats extraintestinal amebiasis, a liver parasite infection.

People with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus are given chloroquine to treat inflammation and to change the way their immune systems work.

It helps treat viral disease and chronic inflammatory problems due to its versatility.

Primary Uses

It works well against Plasmodium vivax, P. ovale, P. malaria, and some types of P. falciparum that are sensitive.

It is used to protect people who are going to places where malaria is common.

Indications

Treatment of malaria that isn’t too bad because of types that are sensitive to chloroquine.

Treatment to stop malaria in places where resistance is not common.

When other treatments haven’t worked, amebic liver tumors are a bad sign.

Immunomodulatory drugs for autoimmune illnesses (not on label).

Benefits

Highly effective in areas where Plasmodium remains chloroquine-sensitive.

Rapid absorption and dispersion throughout bodily tissues.

Long half-life (1-2 months), allowing for weekly dose for prophylaxis.

It has dual value in treating protozoal infections and autoimmune disorders.

It is cheap and widely available in developing countries.

Side Effects

How Does Chloroquine Work?

The way chloroquine works is by stopping bugs inside red blood cells from growing and staying alive.

In malaria, it builds up in the parasite’s food vacuole and stops the detoxification of heme, which is a toxic result of breaking down hemoglobin. This kills the parasite.

Chloroquine changes the immune reaction in autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis by making some immune cells less active and reducing the production of substances that cause inflammation.

Because it kills parasites and changes the immune system, chloroquine can help with both infectious and inflammatory diseases.

Dosage Guidelines

Directions for Use

To keep your stomach from getting upset, take it with food or milk.

Tablets need to be taken whole with water.

For prevention, keep up regular dosing times.

Do not stop using something suddenly if your doctor tells you to.

When Not to Use

Hypersensitivity to chloroquine or similar drugs.

History of retinopathy or visual field alterations.

Patients with epilepsy or seizure disorder, Serious liver or renal illness.

Long-term use during pregnancy for autoimmune illnesses is a relative contraindication.

Drug Interactions

Safety Advice

General Instructions

Do not take more than the recommended amount.

Report any problems with your vision right away.

You should continue complete the course even if your symptoms improve.

In places where the illness is frequent, keep updated and avoid overheating.

Keep medicines in a safe place and throw them away if they’re past their expiration dates.

Dietary & Lifestyle Recommendations

It is usually best to eat a varied diet while taking chloroquine phosphate to keep your health and immune system strong.

Taking the medication with food or milk will assist to prevent gastrointestinal disturbance.

People who take chloroquine should limit or stay away from alcohol because it can make liver-related side effects more likely and make some conditions worse.

Patients should drink plenty of water, especially if the medicine makes them feel sick to their stomach or makes them throw up.

Also, people who take chloroquine for a long time should get regular eye exams and stay out of the sun for a while because it may make them more sensitive to UV rays.

Comparison with Other Treatments

Chloroquine phosphate was once the main treatment for malaria. Now, it’s used less often. Many parasites, especially Plasmodium falciparum, have become resistant to it.

When this happens, artemisinin-based combination treatments (ACTs) are now the best choice because they work better.

Hydroxychloroquine is often preferred over chloroquine for treating inflammatory diseases. It’s safer, especially regarding eye damage.

Another option for malaria is mefloquine, which works but can have mental side effects.

In the end, the choice of treatment relies on things like patterns of resistance, side effects, the patient’s condition, and what’s available.

Precautions & Warnings

Long-term use may hurt the retina, so get an eye exam every 6 to 12 months.

If you have liver or kidney damage, you need to change your dose.

Heart conditions as there is a chance of QT prolongation; an ECG should be used for tracking.

Lack of G6PD will increase the chance of hemolysis.

For autoimmune therapy, keep an eye on the blood numbers, liver enzymes, and kidney function.

Use with Other Medications

Immunosuppressants: Can be co-administered safely with appropriate supervision.

Antiretrovirals (HIV): No significant interactions; however, monitoring is recommended.

Antidiabetic medications: Vigilantly monitor blood glucose levels.

Antibiotics May increase the risk of cardiotoxicity when used with macrolides or fluoroquinolones.

Storage

Maintain storage below 25°C (77°F) in a dry, cool environment.

Shield from direct sunshine and humidity.

Store out of children’s reach.

Avoid using expired medications; ensure proper disposal.