Chloroquine Tablet: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects in Pakistan

Chloroquine Tablet Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Price in Pakistan

1. Quick Info (Mukhtasir Maloomat)

2. What is Chloroquine Tablet? (Chloroquine Tablet kya hai)

Chloroquine Tablet contains chloroquine phosphate, a drug that has been used in medicine for decades. As an antimalarial agent, chloroquine enters red blood cells infected by the Plasmodium parasite and interferes with the parasite's ability to break down hemoglobin for nutrition, ultimately killing it. As a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), it modulates immune activity by accumulating in immune cells and reducing the release of inflammatory proteins. It is prescribed for the prevention and treatment of malaria, as well as for rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus in patients who need long-term immune control.

Chloroquine belongs to the 4-aminoquinoline class of antimalarials, the same family as hydroxychloroquine. It is one of the older antimalarials still in use, though resistance is now common in many Plasmodium falciparum-endemic regions. Long-term use for autoimmune conditions requires regular monitoring for rare but serious eye toxicity. Always take Chloroquine Tablet as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

3. Uses (Fayde / Kis kaam aati hai)

• Malaria prophylaxis (prevention)
• Malaria treatment (Plasmodium vivax and P. malariae)
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

4. Who Should Take It (Kis ko leni chahiye)

• Travellers to malaria-endemic areas requiring prophylaxis
• Patients diagnosed with susceptible malaria infections
• Patients with rheumatoid arthritis or lupus on a DMARD regimen

5. When NOT to Take It (Kab nahi leni chahiye)

• If you are allergic to chloroquine or any 4-aminoquinoline
• If you have psoriasis or porphyria
• If you have a history of retinal or visual field changes

6. Dosage (Kitni leni hai)

• As prescribed by your doctor based on the indication

• As prescribed — dosing differs for malaria prophylaxis, malaria treatment, and autoimmune conditions

• Do not exceed the recommended limit

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If the next dose is close, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose.

7. How to Take It (Kaise leni hai)

• Take with food or milk to reduce stomach upset

• Do not take with antacids — separate by at least 4 hours

• Take at the same time each day for prophylaxis regimens

• Complete the full prescribed course

8. Best Time to Take (Kab leni chahiye)

• Evening preferred for some regimens — follow your doctor's advice

• With a meal to reduce nausea

9. Empty Stomach or After Food (Khali pait ya khane ke baad)

• Take with food or milk to reduce stomach irritation. Do not take on a completely empty stomach.

10. Warnings (Ihtiyat)

• Do not use Chloroquine Tablet if you are allergic to chloroquine or any ingredient
• Regular ophthalmological (eye) examinations are required for long-term use
• Avoid in patients with psoriasis (may cause severe skin flares) or porphyria
• Use with caution in patients with liver disease or epilepsy

11. Precautions (Ahm ehtiyaat)

• Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C
• Protect from light
• Keep out of the reach of children (accidental overdose in children can be fatal)

12. Side Effects (Nuksanat)

• Nausea and vomiting, headache, dizziness

• Retinopathy (irreversible eye damage with long-term use), QT prolongation and cardiac arrhythmia, blood disorders (rare)

13. Drug Interactions (Dawaon ke sath reaction)

• QT-prolonging drugs (additive cardiac risk)
• Antacids reduce chloroquine absorption — separate doses by at least 4 hours
• Mefloquine (increased seizure risk — avoid combination)

14. When to See a Doctor (Kab doctor ke paas jayein)

• Any change in vision, visual field, or colour perception
• Irregular heartbeat or chest discomfort
• Unusual muscle weakness

15. Alternatives (Sasti Dusri Dawaein)

16. Price in Pakistan (Price kitni hai)

(Note: Price depends on the pharmacy and pack size.)

17. FAQs (Aksar poochay jane walay sawalat)

Q: Chloroquine Tablet kis kaam aati hai?

A: Chloroquine Tablet is prescribed for malaria prevention and treatment, and for rheumatoid arthritis and lupus (SLE). See the uses section on PakVita and always follow your doctor's advice.

Q: Chloroquine Tablet kitne mg ki hoti hai?

A: The standard strength is 250mg chloroquine phosphate (equivalent to 155mg chloroquine base). Your doctor will confirm the correct strength and dose for your condition.

Q: Pakistan mein price kitni hai?

A: The price can vary by pharmacy and city. Verify the current rate at a local store or online listing.

Q: Pregnancy mein safe hai?

A: Do not self-medicate during pregnancy. Always use this medicine only after consulting your doctor.

Q: Nuksanat kya hain?

A: Common side effects include nausea, headache, and dizziness. Long-term use requires regular eye checks. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice vision changes.

18. Medical Review (Medical jaiza)

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-07-09

19. Disclaimer (Zaroori tanbeeh)

The information on this page is for awareness only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. PakVita is not responsible for any harm.