Malaria is a disease caused by blood-borne parasites from Plasmodium organisms. It is contracted from the bites of contaminated mosquitoes and is endemic in tropical parts of the world. Amodiaquine is a member of the 4-aminoquinolone family of drugs, which are commonly used to treat malaria. Although amodiaquinine is generally safe, there are some side effects associated with its use.
Gastrointestinal
Patients who take amodiaquine may develop some gastrointestinal problems, Inchem.org explains. These include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. These side effects are typically mild, however, and only last for a short period of time.
Skin
Patients taking amodiaquine may also develop certain dermatological problems. Patients may develop an itchy rash and find that their skin is abnormally sensitive to light while taking this medication, Malaria-IPCA.com explains. Repeated use of this medication can also cause the fingers, nails and mucous membranes to develop a slate-grey color.
Neurological
Amodiaquine has been found to cause such minor neurological symptoms as dizziness and a headache. Patients also note slowed thinking and fatigue and hearing loss. There are also instances of damage to the peripheral nerves, MedIndia.net notes. This can cause tingling and pain in varying areas of the body, depending on where the nerve damage occurs. There are also some cases of damage to the nerves that supply motor signals to muscles, ActWithASAQ.org reports.
Visual
A common minor side effect of amodiaquine is temporary blurring of vision. This may be caused by the appearance of deposits on the cornea; these deposits typically fade once the treatment has stopped. There are reports, however, of repeated dosing of amodiaquine causing irreversible damage to the retina, leading to loss of field of vision. Consequently, people taking this medication may need frequent comprehensive eye exams to guard against this danger.
Hematologic
Amodiaquine can also result in a condition known as agranulocytosis. Agranulocytosis is notable for causing low levels of leukocytes and neutrophils---two different kinds of white blood cells. The depressed white blood cell count results in a weakened immune system, making the body more prone to infection.
Hepatotoxicity
Amodiaquine can also damage the liver. Symptoms of liver damage, also known as hepatotoxicity, include yellowing of the skin and eyes due to jaundice. Patients may also develop pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, abnormally dark urine and swelling of the abdomen and lower body due to fluid retention. Severe liver damage can result in a tendency to bruise or bleed more easily as a result of decreased production of proteins important for blood coagulation.
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