Generic Aralen (Chloroquine Phosphate) to Treat Malaria

Working

The precise working of Generic Aralen in preventing and treating malaria is unclear. But, it has been found through studies that chloroquine blocks the entry of pathogens in the red blood cells (RBCs). Malarial parasites target the human red blood cells, invade them, and cause infection. Chloroquine prevents the pathogen from breaking hemoglobin down in RBCs. In simple words, Generic Aralen keeps malaria parasites from entering the blood cells, preventing infection. The drug is effective against certain strains of Plasmodium falciparum, vivax, malariae, and ovale.

Dose

• To use Generic Aralen safely and effectively, please check with your doctor first to know whether you can use it
• Follow all the instructions advised by your doctor and use it exactly as recommended.
• For malaria prevention, take Generic Aralen 500 mg once a week, on exactly the same day of every week.
• For malaria treatment, take two tablets of 500mg as an initial dose, then one 500 mg tablet after six to eight hours, and then one 500 mg tablet after 24 and 48 hours..
• For extra-intestinal amebiasis treatment, take 1 g daily for two days followed 500 mg daily for two to three weeks.
• Take Generic Aralen pills orally with a glass of water, preferably with food; do not chew, split or break the pill.

Side Effects

• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea

These are common side effects of Generic Aralen, which may or may not occur. If they get occur and persist for longer hours, seek medical attention right away. Most people who use chloroquine do not experience severe adverse effects. Get immediate medical attention in case of chest pain, breathlessness, palpitations, depression, anxiety, or vision impairment.

Precautions

• Before taking Generic Aralen, it is important to inform your doctor if you have a history of drug allergies, including chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine.
• Tell your doctor if you are suffering from any health issues before treatment, especially retinopathy, hearing impairment, liver or kidney disease, G6PD deficiency (a genetic disorder), blood dyscrasias, brain health disorders, or any other conditions.
• Before taking this malaria drug, inform your physician about the medications you take. Generic Aralen may adversely interact with certain prescription or OTC drugs.
• Diabetic patients should be extra cautious while taking chloroquine because it affects the blood glucose level. They may need to regularly check their blood sugar levels during the course of therapy.
• Do not use the pills that have crossed their expiry dates; using outdated pills could increase the risk of adverse events.

Warnings

• Generic Aralen can make the skin more sensitive to the sun, which is why doctors advise limiting sun exposure and avoiding tanning booths or sunlamps. Also, they advise using sunscreen and wear protective clothing when you go outdoors.
• Chloroquine could increase the risk of a heart problem known as arrhythmia, especially in the elderly, which includes clinical features like fast/irregular heartbeats, extreme dizziness, and drowsiness. Seek medical attention in case you experience these symptoms during therapy
• Older individuals taking Generic Aralen are more vulnerable to the drug’s adverse events.
• Chloroquine should be used only a doctor suggests in case of pregnancy. Check with your doctor about the benefits and risks of the drug during pregnancy.
• It is unclear whether the drug passes into breast milk; check with your doctor before breastfeeding.

Faqs