Avloquin 250 mg

Treatment of malaria due to Plasmodium vivax, P. ovale and P. malariae, and of chloroquine-sensitive P. falciparum; malaria prophylaxis in areas without resistance. Also used in rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus.

Chloroquine accumulates in the food vacuole of the malaria parasite and prevents conversion of toxic haem to haemozoin, killing the blood-stage parasite.

One 250 mg chloroquine phosphate tablet contains about 155 mg chloroquine base. Treatment (adult): 4 tablets initially, 2 tablets after 6-8 hours, then 2 tablets daily for the next 2 days. Child: 10 mg base/kg initially, 5 mg base/kg after 6-8 hours, then 5 mg base/kg daily for 2 days. Prophylaxis (adult): 2 tablets once weekly, as directed by the physician.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, itching, skin rash, blurred vision. With prolonged or high-dose use: retinal damage, cardiomyopathy, QT prolongation. Overdose is extremely dangerous.

Use with caution in hepatic or renal impairment, epilepsy, psoriasis, G6PD deficiency and myasthenia gravis. Regular eye examination is needed in long-term use. Overdose can be fatal, especially in children; keep well out of their reach. Follow the national malaria treatment guideline and the physician's advice.

Hypersensitivity to chloroquine or other 4-aminoquinolines; existing retinal or visual field changes (for long-term use).

Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place, away from light. Keep out of the reach of children.