Chloroquine Tablet Side Effects in Pakistan

A complete guide to the side effects of Chloroquine Tablet. From common effects to serious warnings — everything you need to know is on this page.

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

Side Effects

Quick Answer

Common side effects of Chloroquine Tablet include nausea and headache. Serious effects such as retinopathy and cardiac arrhythmia require immediate medical attention. Long-term users must have regular eye examinations. Contact your doctor if any side effect persists or worsens.

Side Effects at a Glance

Common

Nausea and vomiting
Headache
Dizziness

Serious — See a Doctor

Retinopathy (irreversible eye damage with long-term use)
QT interval prolongation and cardiac arrhythmia
Severe skin reactions (in patients with psoriasis)

When to See a Doctor Immediately

Any change in vision, colour perception, or visual field
Irregular heartbeat, palpitations, or chest discomfort
Severe skin rash or blistering

Chloroquine Tablet Side Effects (Nuksanat)

Chloroquine Tablet (chloroquine phosphate 250mg) is generally well tolerated for short-term use. However, long-term use carries specific risks including retinopathy. Like all medicines, it can cause side effects in some patients.

Common Side Effects (Aam Nuksanat)

Nausea and vomiting
Headache
Dizziness

These side effects are usually mild. If they continue, inform your doctor.

Serious Side Effects (Sanjeedah Nuksanat)

Retinopathy (irreversible eye damage with long-term use) — see a doctor immediately if vision changes occur
QT interval prolongation and cardiac arrhythmia — see a doctor immediately
Severe skin reactions in patients with psoriasis — see a doctor immediately

When to See a Doctor (Kab Doctor Se Milna Zaroori Hai)

Any change in vision, colour perception, or visual field (especially with long-term use)
Irregular heartbeat, palpitations, or chest discomfort
Severe skin rash or blistering

Warnings and Precautions (Ihtiyat)

Do not use Chloroquine Tablet if you are allergic to chloroquine or any 4-aminoquinoline
Long-term users must have regular ophthalmological examinations
Avoid in patients with psoriasis or porphyria

Side Effects Summary Table

Type	Side Effect	Action
Common	Nausea and vomiting	Take with food; inform doctor if severe
Common	Headache	Monitor / inform doctor
Common	Dizziness	Monitor / inform doctor
Serious	Retinopathy	Regular eye checks; see doctor immediately if vision changes
Serious	Cardiac arrhythmia	See a doctor immediately

Reporting Side Effects

If you notice any unexpected side effect, report it on the DRAP pharmacovigilance portal: https://www.dra.gov.pk/pharmacovigilance

The information in this guide is for educational purposes only. If you notice any side effect, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common side effects of Chloroquine Tablet?

The most commonly reported side effects of Chloroquine Tablet include nausea and headache. These are usually mild. Inform your doctor if they persist.

Can Chloroquine Tablet cause allergic reactions?

Yes, like all medicines, Chloroquine Tablet can cause allergic reactions in some people. Signs include rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing. Stop use and seek medical help immediately if this happens.

Is Chloroquine Tablet safe to take for a long time?

Long-term use requires regular ophthalmological (eye) examinations to detect retinopathy early, as this side effect can be irreversible. Your doctor will schedule regular eye checks for long-term users.

What should I do if I experience side effects from Chloroquine Tablet?

For mild side effects, inform your pharmacist. For serious effects such as vision changes or cardiac symptoms, stop the medicine and contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital.

Does Chloroquine Tablet affect the liver or kidneys?

Chloroquine Tablet may require dose adjustment in patients with liver disease. Your doctor will advise based on your test results and overall health condition.

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Sources

DRAP Registered Products Database — Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan
WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, 23rd ed. (2023) — World Health Organization
British National Formulary (BNF) — BMJ Group & Pharmaceutical Press

Medical disclaimer

This page is for educational use only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always confirm diagnosis, dose, and interactions with a qualified doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medicine.