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What is the most important information I should know about chloroquine?

Use caution when driving or performing other hazardous activities until you know how this medication affects you. Chloroquine may cause visual disturbances such as blurred vision, misty vision, and difficulty focusing. Report any vision or hearing changes to your doctor.

What is chloroquine?

Chloroquine is an antimalarial drug. The exact way that chloroquine works is unknown.

Chloroquine is used to treat and to prevent malaria. Chloroquine is also used to treat infections caused by amoebae.

Chloroquine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking chloroquine?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• had a previous allergic reaction to chloroquine;

• glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency;

• psoriasis;

• porphyria; or

• liver disease.

You may not be able to take chloroquine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your therapy if you have any of the conditions listed above.

It is not known whether chloroquine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take chloroquine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known how chloroquine will affect a nursing infant. Do not take chloroquine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take chloroquine?

Take chloroquine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take chloroquine with food to lessen stomach upset.

It is important to take chloroquine regularly to get the most benefit.

Store chloroquine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a chloroquine overdose include headache, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, visual changes, seizures, difficulty breathing, and unconsciousness.

What should I avoid while taking chloroquine?

Use caution when driving or performing other hazardous activities until you know how this medication affects you. Chloroquine may cause visual disturbances such as blurred vision, misty vision, and difficulty focusing. Report any vision or hearing changes to your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of chloroquine?

Stop taking chloroquine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (flushing; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; vision problems; rash; itching; or fever).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take chloroquine and talk to your doctor if you experience

• visual disturbances such as blurred vision, misty vision, and difficulty focusing;

• hearing loss or ringing in the ears;

• diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain or upset, vomiting, or loss of appetite;

• muscle weakness; or

• a rash.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.