Aralen (Chloroquine)

        Aralen is an aminoquinoline which used to treat or prevent malaria infections and a certain type of parasitic infection. It kills malaria parasites, most likely by damaging their DNA (genetic material). 

        Aralen takes by mouth with a glass of water or food. Dosage various from type of infection:

        For Adults, the recommended dose is 500 mg on exactly the same day of each week.  

        Fro children is 5 mg calculated as base, per kg of body weight, 10 mg base/kg may be taken in two divided doses, six hours apart.  

2)Treatment of Acute Attack:   

        For adults is 1 g followed by an additional 500 mg after six to eight hours and a single dose of 500 mg on each of two consecutive days.

Contraindication: Hypersensitivity, disorders of liver and kidneys functions, frank impairments of cardiac muscle (with rhythm disorders), illnesses of blood and nervous system, illnesses of retina and cornea of an eye, diabetes, chronic alcoholism. Do not use it if you is allergic to chloroquine or any ingredients of the medication or if you has certain visual problems due to chloroquine, similar medications, or any other cause (unless in the treatment of malaria it is decided that the benefits outweigh the risks). 

• appetite loss; 

• clumsiness; 

• diarrhea; 

• dizziness; 

• feeling of whirling motion; 

• mild headache; 

• nausea; 

• stomach cramps; 

• vomiting. 

• More serious if you experience one of this side effects: 

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue);

• bizarre behavior; 

• change in color or skin or inside of mouth; 

• diarrhea; 

• difficulty seeing and reading (words, letters, or parts of objects missing when reading); 

• fever or sore throat; hair loss; hearing loss; 

• mood changes; 

• ringing in the ears; 

• seizures; 

• sensitivity to sunlight; 

• unusual bleeding or bruising; 

• unusual weakness; 

• vision problems; 

• weight loss. 

        If you experience one of them stop using Aralen and tell your doctor as soon as possible. Also consult with your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual.

        If you forgot to take your dose in time, please do it as soon as you remember. But do not take if it is too late or almost time for your next dose. Do not take double or extra doses. Take your usually dose next day in the same regularly time. 

        Symptoms of overdose include headache, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, seizures, difficulty breathing, and unconsciousness, impairment of consciousness, disturbance of vision, convulsions and coma. Death due to respiratory distress may happen during 2 hours after the intake. If you experience one of them call your doctor immediately.  

        Store at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture, kids and pets. Do not use after expiration term.