Aralen Phosphate Oral
In Depth
- Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
Pronounced: (KLOR-oh-kwin)
Aralen Phosphate Oral Uses
This medication is used to prevent certain types of malaria, a parasite infection, when traveling to certain areas that have malaria. Another drug may be used instead if you are going to an area with resistant malaria. Chloroquine may also be used with other medications to treat certain less severe (uncomplicated) types of malaria or a spreading infection with another parasite (ameba). Chloroquine is an amebicide and antimalarial drug. It works by killing ameba and the form of the malaria parasite that infects the red blood cells.
How To Use Aralen Phosphate Oral
Take this medication by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with a meal. For prevention of malaria, take chloroquine exactly as directed by your doctor, usually once weekly on the same day each week. Start this medication usually 1 to 2 weeks before you enter the malaria area, and continue to take it during your stay and for 4 weeks after leaving the area, or as directed by your doctor.
For treatment of a sudden/severe attack of malaria, take this medication as directed, usually 4 doses over 3 days. The first dose is larger and is followed by 3 smaller doses. On day 1 take the large dose followed 6 hours later with a smaller dose, then take the next smaller doses on days 2 and 3.
For treatment of ameba, take this medication as directed, usually once daily for 2 to 3 weeks. The first 2 doses are larger.
If you are taking any antacid, do not take chloroquine within 4 hours before or after the antacid.
Dosage is based on your body weight, medical condition, and response to treatment.
It is very important to continue taking this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. This medication works best when taken exactly as directed. If you are taking this drug once a week, it may help to mark your calendar or travel schedule with a reminder.
Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed. Do not stop taking it before completing treatment, even if you feel better, unless directed to do so by your doctor. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may cause prevention treatment to be ineffective, cause the amount of parasite to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects.
