Chloroquine

Malaria can cause a lot of problems in pregnant women and Chloroquine is known to have the potential to harm the unborn baby. Hence, avoid it in pregnancy.

Tiny amount of Chloroquine secretes in breast milk; when given once weekly or for 2-3 days like in malaria, the quantity of medicine is not sufficient to harm the infant. In case of long-term treatment for conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis, you should avoid Chloroquine in breastfeeding for the above reason.

You may have vision problems, especially when you start treatment with Chloroquine, and you are advised not to drive in the presence of any such symptoms. You must be cautious if you are on long-term medication, even in the absence of symptoms.

You should avoid alcohol as it may worsen certain side effects of Chloroquine such as dizziness, heart problems and depression.

A patient can take Chloroquine in parasitic infections like malaria and amoebic liver disorders and certain conditions involving the immune system. There are four different types of malaria, though only two are more common; the dosage and duration may change for each type. Hence Chloroquine has to be taken under medical supervision to avoid irregular usage. The dosage of this medicine in immune disorders such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Rheumatoid Arthritis also differs based on the severity of the disease. Improper administration may cause unwanted effects and hence self-medication with Chloroquine is not advised.

Chloroquine can penetrate the parasites present in the blood (malaria) and the liver (Amoebiasis). After entering the parasite, it stops the formation of substances that may cause harm to us and thus control the infection. In diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) or Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) due to improperly regulated immune systems, Chloroquine disrupts the signaling between immune cells. It thus reduces or suppresses the unwanted immune system activity resulting in relief of symptoms. Chloroquine acts in different diseases with different mechanisms.