Chloroquine And Proguanil Side Effects

Chloroquine and proguanil are two medications that can be prescribed for the prevention of malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite that affects the blood and gains access to the bloodstream of patients via bites from contaminated mosquitoes. This disease is most common in tropical regions of the world where mosquitoes are prevalent. These two medications are safe for most people to use, but they can cause a variety of different side effects, particularly when used in combination.

Gastrointestinal

Both chloroquine and proguanil can cause problems with the gastrointestinal system. Common side effects of both these medications include nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation and diarrhea, the NetDoctor website reports. In some cases these medications can result in bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, MayoClinic.com notes, resulting in feces that are streaked with blood or the presence of dark. tarry stools, also known as melena. Melena is the result of blood from a gastrointestinal bleed being broken down by bacteria in the intestines.

Visual

Chloroquine use is also associated with problems with vision. Patients taking this medication may experience blurred vision, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine explains. Long-term use of chloroquine can also result in damage to the retina that results in permanently impaired vision.

Skin

A number of dermatological problems can affect people taking chloroquine and proguanil. Both medications can cause skin rashes and itching, also known as pruritis. Chloroquine can also cause discoloration of the nails, skin and mucous membranes, which is the tissue that covers the inside of the mouth. Proguanil also can affect the tissue that lines the oral cavity, resulting in the development of mouth ulcers and inflammation, which is sometimes referred to as stomatitis. Both chloroquine and proguanil can also cause hair loss, though the hair usually returns when the medications are stopped.

Neurological

Chloroquine can also result in some neurological problems, according to MayoClinic.com. These include a headache, feeling light-headed and tinnitus, which is a ringing or buzzing sensation in the ear. Patients can also have changes in their mood and can also develop convulsions. If too much chloroquine is taken, it can result in drowsiness or excitability.