Chloroquine: Side Effects, Uses & Monitoring

Labeled uses

Chloroquine phosphate tablets are indicated for the: Treatment of uncomplicated malaria due to susceptible strains of P. falciparum, P. malariae, P. ovale, and P. vivax . Prophylaxis of malaria in geographic areas where resistance to chloroquine is not present. Treatment of extraintestinal amebiasis. Chloroquine phosphate tablets do not prevent relapses in patients with vivax or ovale malaria because it is not effective against exoerythrocytic forms of the parasites. Limitations of Use in Malaria: Do not use Chloroquine phosphate tablets for the treatment of complicated malaria (high-grade parasitemia and/or complications e.g., cerebral malaria or acute renal failure). Do not use Chloroquine phosphate tablets for malaria prophylaxis in areas where chloroquine resistance occurs, Resistance to Chloroquine phosphate tablets is widespread in P. falciparum , and is reported in P. vivax (see WARNINGS ). Concomitant therapy with an 8-aminoquinoline drug is necessary for treatment of the hypnozoite liver stage forms of P. vivax and P. ovale (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ).