Information About Generic Aralen (Chloroquine)

What is Generic Aralen (Chloroquine)

Working of Generic Aralen (Chloroquine)

Generic Aralen (Chloroquine) Dosage or Administration

Precautions for Taking Generic Aralen (Chloroquine)

Interaction of Generic Aralen (Chloroquine) with Other Drugs

Side effects of Generic Aralen (Chloroquine)

Chloroquine is generic equivalent of Aralen, it is used for Prophylaxis and treatment of acute attacks of malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax, P malariae, P ovale and susceptible strains of P falciparum; extraintestinal amebiasis. Unlabeled use(s): Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic and discoid lupus erythematosus, porphyria cutanea tarda, scleroderma, pemphigus, lichen planus, polymyositis and sarcoidosis.

What is Generic Aralen (Chloroquine)

Generic Aralen belong to calss Anti-infective/antimalarial. Generic Chloroquine Inhibits parasite growth, possibly by concentrating within parasite acid vesicles, raising pH.

Generic Aralen (Chloroquine) Dosage or Administration

Doses are listed in base equivalents. (Chloroquine phosphate, 500 mg equals 300 mg base; chloroquine hydrochloride, 50 mg equals 40 mg base.)

Acute Malaria

CHLOROQUINE PHOSPHATE: ADULTS: Initial dose: PO 600 mg, then 300 mg 6 hr later and 300 mg qd for 2 days. CHILDREN: Initial dose: PO 10 mg/kg, then 5 mg/kg 6 hr later and 5 mg/kg qd for 2 days. CHLOROQUINE HYDROCHLORIDE: ADULTS: INITIAL DOSE: IM 160–200 mg then repeat dose in 6 hr if needed (maximum 800 mg base total dose in first 24 hr). CHILDREN: 5 mg/kg/dose; repeat dose in 6 hr (maximum 10 mg base/kg/24 hr; do not exceed 5 mg/kg as single parenteral dose).

Malaria Suppression

ADULTS: PO 300 mg base. CHILDREN: 5 mg/kg/dose (maximum 300 mg base) weekly. Begin 1–2 wk prior to exposure and continue for 4 wk after leaving endemic area. If suppressive therapy is not begun prior to exposure, double initial loading dose and give in 2 divided doses 6 hr apart.

Extraintestinal Amebiasis

CHLOROQUINE PHOSPHATE: ADULTS: PO 600 mg base/day for 2 days, then 300 mg base/day for 2–3 wk. CHLOROQUINE HYDROCHLORIDE: ADULTS: IM 4–5 ml (160–200 mg base)/day for 10–12 days.

Precautions for Taking Generic Aralen (Chloroquine)

Pregnancy: Category D. Lactation: Excreted in breast milk. Children: Especially sensitive to adverse effects; do not exceed recommended dose. G-6-PD deficiency: May induce hemolysis in presence of infection or stressful condition. Muscular weakness: May need to discontinue therapy if muscle weakness occurs. Psoriasis or porphyria: May be exacerbated. Retinopathy: Irreversible retinal damage has occurred. Special risk patients: Monitor patients with hepatic disease or alcoholism or taking other hepatotoxic medications for evidence of worsening liver function such as bleeding.

Interaction of Generic Aralen (Chloroquine) with Other Drugs

Cimetidine: May increase chloroquine serum concentration. Kaolin aluminum or magnesium trisilicate antacids: May decrease GI absorption of chloroquine. Rabies vaccine: Concomitant administration of intradermally administered rabies vaccine and chloroquine may result in diminished antibody response to vaccine. In this situation CDC recommends administering rabies vaccine intramuscularly.

Side effects of Generic Aralen (Chloroquine)

CV: Hypotension; ECG changes. CNS: Headache; neuropathy; seizures; psychotic episodes. DERM: Pruritus; pigment changes; skin eruptions. EENT: Visual disturbances; retinal damage and deafness with prolonged high-dose use; tinnitus. GI: Anorexia; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; abdominal cramps. HEMA: Agranulocytosis; blood dyscrasias; aplastic anemia. HEPA: Hepatitis. OTHER: Muscle weakness.