Chloroquine Singapore
Chloroquine is a medication primarily used to prevent and treat malaria in areas where malaria remains sensitive to its effects. It is also occasionally used for amebiasis that is occurring outside the intestines, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus erythematosus. It is taken by mouth and carries a broad range of side effects including nausea, vision problems and seizures. It is not recommended during pregnancy or in people with certain genetic conditions. It works by interfering with the growth of parasites in the red blood cells of the human body.
- 250mg
- 500mg
1. **What is Chloroquine?**
Chloroquine is a medication initially developed to treat and prevent malaria in regions where this disease is sensitive to the drug's effects. It's also applied to manage rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, and extraintestinal amebiasis. It acts by inhibiting the growth of parasites within human red blood cells.
2. **What are the side effects of Chloroquine?**
Side effects from Chloroquine can range from mild to severe. Common ones include nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. Long-term or high-dose use may cause serious issues like vision damage (including irreversible blindness), hearing loss, and seizures. Some people may also develop a skin rash, darkening of the skin, or changes in hair color.
3. **Is Chloroquine suitable for everyone?**
Chloroquine isn't recommended for everyone. It should be used with caution by people with heart conditions, liver disease, or epilepsy. It should also not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks, as it can harm the unborn baby.
4. **Can Chloroquine be used for COVID-19 treatment?**
While there was initial interest in using Chloroquine for COVID-19 due to its antiviral properties, studies have shown mixed results. As of now, it is not routinely recommended for this purpose. Any use should be under strict medical supervision.
5. **How should Chloroquine be taken?**
Chloroquine is taken orally, usually with food to lessen stomach upset. Dosage and length of treatment depend on the type of infection being treated and the patient's response to medication. It's important to follow the doctor's prescription accurately.
6. **What should I do if I miss a dose?**
If you miss a dose of Chloroquine, take it as soon as you remember unless it's close to the time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Never double up doses to catch up, as this could increase the risk of side effects.
7. **What happens in case of an overdose?**
An overdose of Chloroquine can be lethal. It may cause symptoms such as vision damage, convulsions, irregular heart rhythm, and cardiac arrest. If an overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical help immediately.
8. **Can I drink alcohol while taking Chloroquine?**
Drinking alcohol while on Chloroquine is generally not recommended. Alcohol may exacerbate the side effects of Chloroquine, such as nausea and stomach issues. Always clarify with your healthcare provider.
9. **What is Chloroquine resistance?**
Chloroquine resistance is a growing problem, especially in cases of malaria. It refers to the decreased efficacy of the drug in treating the disease due to changes in the parasites. This resistance is one primary reason why Chloroquine is not as widely used for malaria treatment today compared to the past.
What are known local names of the medication?
- Arechin
- Clorochina Zydus
- Cloroquina fosfato
- Clorochina Sopar
- Reumachlor
- Clo-kit
- Tanakan Chloroquine
- Clorochina Liofilchem
- Clorochina
- Lapaquin
- Klorokinum
- Avloclor
- Nivaquine
- Clorochina Bussie
- Clorotab
- Chingamin
- Clorochin
- Klorokin Sulfat
- Klorokin Fosfat
- Klorokinsulfat
- Clorochina Zentiva
- Emquin
- Resochin
- Chloraquine
- Nivaquine-P
- Klorokinhydroklorid
- Resoquine
- Delagil
- Clorochina West-Ward
- Clorochina Sanofi
- Klorokin
- Aralen
- Lariago
- Clorochina Solfadex
- Cloroquina
- Dawaquin
- Klorokinfosfat
- Malaquin
- Cloquin
- Malaquin-P
- Sanoquin