Chloroquine (Systemic).

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S. --

 
   Aralen 
   Aralen HCl 
 
   Generic name product may also be available. 
 

In Canada --

 
   Aralen 
 

Description Chloroquine (KLOR-oh-kwin) is a medicine used to prevent and treat malaria and to treat some conditions such as liver disease caused by protozoa (tiny one-celled animals).

This medicine may be given alone or with one or more other medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Chloroquine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:

 
   Oral 
      o Tablets (U.S. and Canada) 
 
   Parenteral 
      o Injection (U.S.) 
 

Before Using This Medicine In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For chloroquine, the following should be considered:

Allergies -- Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy -- Unless you are taking it for malaria or liver disease caused by protozoa, use of this medicine is not recommended during pregnancy. In animal studies, chloroquine has been shown to cause damage to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) of the fetus, including damage to hearing, sense of balance, bleeding inside the eyes, and other eye problems. However, when given in low doses (once a week) to prevent malaria, this medicine has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in humans.

Breast-feeding -- Chloroquine passes into the breast milk. Chloroquine has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies to date. However, babies and children are especially sensitive to the effects of chloroquine.

Children -- Children are especially sensitive to the effects of chloroquine. This may increase the chance of side effects during treatment. Overdose is especially dangerous in children. Taking as little as 1 tablet (300-mg strength) has resulted in the death of a small child.

Older adults -- Many medicines have not been studied specifically …