Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite that is transmitted to people through the bites of anopheles mosquitoes. The World Health Organization states that, in 2008, there were 247 million cases of malaria resulting in nearly 1 million deaths, mostly among children living in Africa. Chloroquine is the main drug used to treat malaria. Other drugs may be used to treat malaria infections that are resistant to chloroquine.
Malaria
Symptoms of malaria include high fever, headaches, muscle aches, shaking chills, sweating, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. These symptoms appear 10 to 15 days after the mosquito bite, according to the World Health Organization. Immediate treatment is necessary because malaria can quickly become life-threatening by disrupting the supply of blood to vital organs. Malaria can be treated and prevented using chloroquine.
Chloroquine Uses
Drugs.com states that chloroquine, also known by the brand name Aralen, is an antimalarial drug used to treat and prevent malaria. Chloroquine destroys malaria parasites by stopping normal metabolism inside the parasite.
Directions of Use
In order to prevent malaria, chloroquine is taken once a week one to two weeks prior to travel to an area where malaria is common, then weekly while in the area and four weeks after departing from the area, according to Drugs.com. To treat malaria, 1.5 g of chloroquine is taken once a day for three days. Chloroquine may be taken with food to prevent stomach upset.
Contraindications
Drugs.com states that patients allergic to chloroquine should avoid the drug. Patients with vision problems or retinal changes should not use chloroquine. Chloroquine should be used with caution in patients with liver disease, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, psoriasis, blood disorders, intestinal problems and hearing problems.
Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, common side effects of chloroquine include nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, appetite loss, dizziness and headache. Adverse effects of the drug include fever, sore throat, chills, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, bleeding, bruising and vision problems.
Warning
According to Drugs.com, chloroquine and other antimalarial drugs may destroy the retina of the eye, leading to vision problems. Patients are advised to undergo eye tests before taking any antimalarial drugs.
