Aralen  - Generic Name: Chloroquine Phosphate

What is/are Aralen?

CHLOROQUINE is used to treat or prevent malaria infections. It is also used to treat amebiasis. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• eye disease, vision problems
• glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
• hearing problems
• liver disease
• psoriasis
• history of seizures
• an unusual or allergic reaction to chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. To prevent malaria, take this medicine on the same day each week starting 2 weeks before entering the endemic area and continue for 8 weeks after leaving. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• arsenic trioxide
• chlorpromazine
• cisapride
• droperidol
• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• medicines for irregular heartbeats, rhythm
• methadone
• pentamidine
• ranolazine
• some antibiotics like erythromycin, levofloxacin

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• ampicillin
• antacids
• cimetidine
• cyclosporine
• kaolin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• changes in vision
• hallucinations
• hearing loss or ringing
• feeling faint, lightheaded
• fever or infection
• muscle weakness
• numbness, tingling
• seizures
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• bleaching of body hair
• blue-black color to the skin, nails
• diarrhea
• hair loss
• headache
• loss of appetite
• nausea, vomiting
• stomach cramps

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better in a few days. If you are taking this medicine for a long time, visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks. If you notice any changes in your vision see your eye doctor for an eye exam.

If you get a fever during or after you start taking this medicine, do not treat yourself. Contact your doctor or health care professional immediately.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

While in areas where malaria is common, you should take steps to prevent being bit by mosquitos. This includes staying in air-conditioned or well-screened rooms to reduce human-mosquito contact, sleep under mosquito netting, preferably one with pyrethrum-containing insecticide, wear long-sleeved shirts or blouses and long trousers to protect arms and legs, apply mosquito repellents containing DEET to uncovered areas of skin, and use a pyrethrum-containing flying insect spray to kill mosquitos.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Avoid products with antacids and kaolin for 4 hours before and after taking a dose of this medicine. Where should I keep this medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children. In children, this medicine can cause overdose with small doses.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.