Aralen (Chloroquine)

Common Use

Aralen contains the active ingredient chloroquine, which belongs to a class of medications called aminoquinolines—in simple terms, it is an antimalarial drug that works by interfering with the genetic material (DNA) of the malaria parasite, ultimately killing it.

Aralen is used to treat and prevent:

Malaria – a serious and sometimes life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Aralen is effective against certain types of malaria parasites, particularly Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, though resistance has developed in many parts of the world

Certain parasitic infections – such as amebiasis (a type of intestinal infection caused by Entamoeba histolytica) outside the liver, and in some cases, for other parasitic conditions as determined by a doctor

Aralen has also been used historically for certain autoimmune conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, though this is less common today with the availability of newer medications.

Dosage and Direction

Take Aralen by mouth with a glass of water. You may take it with food to help reduce stomach upset. The dosage varies depending on whether you are preventing malaria or treating an active infection.

1. For Malaria Prevention (Prophylaxis):

Adults: The recommended dose is 500 mg on the same day each week, starting 1–2 weeks before travel to a malaria-endemic area and continuing for 4 weeks after leaving the area

Children: The dose is based on body weight—5 mg per kg of body weight (calculated as base) weekly. In some cases, 10 mg per kg may be given in two divided doses, six hours apart

2. For Treatment of an Acute Malaria Attack:

Adults: A total dose of 2.5 g over 3 days:

Day 1: 1 g (four 250 mg tablets) followed by an additional 500 mg (two tablets) after 6–8 hours

Days 2 and 3: 500 mg (two tablets) as a single dose on each day

Children: The dose is based on body weight—consult your doctor for the exact amount

Note: This information is provided for general guidance. It is very important to consult with your doctor before using this medication to ensure you get the correct dosage for your specific situation.

Precautions

If you will be taking Aralen for a long period of time, your doctor will need to monitor you regularly for potential side effects such as:

Blood problems (changes in blood cell counts)

Muscle weakness

Important:

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any changes in vision during or after treatment. Chloroquine can, in rare cases, cause retinal damage, which may be permanent if not detected early

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, call your doctor immediately

Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous if you are not able to see well while taking this medication

Contraindications

Aralen should not be used in the following situations:

Hypersensitivity (allergy) to chloroquine or any of the ingredients in the medication

Disorders of liver and kidney function (severe impairment)

Frank impairments of cardiac muscle with rhythm disorders (such as heart block or cardiomyopathy)

Illnesses of the blood (such as porphyria) and nervous system disorders

Illnesses of the retina and cornea of the eye (unless, in the treatment of malaria, the benefits outweigh the risks)

Diabetes – chloroquine can affect blood sugar levels

Chronic alcoholism

Do not use Aralen if you have certain visual problems due to chloroquine, similar medications, or any other cause, unless in the treatment of malaria your doctor decides that the benefits outweigh the risks.

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

Loss of appetite

Clumsiness or unsteadiness

Diarrhea

Dizziness

Feeling of whirling motion (vertigo)

Mild headache

Nausea

Stomach cramps

Vomiting

Serious side effects (stop using Aralen and tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of these):

Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue)

Bizarre behavior or mood changes

Change in color of the skin or inside of the mouth

Severe or persistent diarrhea

Difficulty seeing and reading (words, letters, or parts of objects missing when reading)

Fever or sore throat

Hair loss

Hearing loss (ringing in the ears)

Seizures

Sensitivity to sunlight (sunburn-like reaction)

Unusual bleeding or bruising

Unusual weakness

Vision problems (blurred vision, difficulty focusing)

Weight loss

If you experience any of these serious side effects, stop using Aralen and contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Drug Interactions

Aralen can interact with several medications:

Ampicillin – chloroquine may reduce the absorption of this antibiotic

Antacids that contain magnesium – can reduce the absorption of chloroquine

Cimetidine – may increase chloroquine levels in the blood

Cyclosporine – chloroquine may increase cyclosporine levels

Kaolin – can reduce the absorption of chloroquine

An interaction between medications does not always mean you must stop taking one of them. Often, your doctor can manage the interaction by adjusting doses or timing. Always consult your doctor about how any potential interactions should be managed.

Missed Dose

If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember—unless it is almost time for your next dose. If that’s the case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take double or extra doses to make up for a missed one.

Overdose

Symptoms of Aralen overdose can be serious and life-threatening. They may include:

Headache

Drowsiness

Nausea and vomiting

Seizures

Difficulty breathing

Loss of consciousness

Disturbance of vision

Convulsions

Coma

Death due to respiratory distress can occur within 2 hours after ingestion. If you suspect an overdose, call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention.

Storage

Store Aralen at room temperature between 15–25°C (59–77°F), away from light and moisture. Keep it out of reach of children and pets. Do not use the medication after the expiration date printed on the packaging.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications, which does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. Information on this site cannot be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed upon with your healthcare adviser or the doctor in charge of your case. We disclaim reliability of this information and any mistakes it may contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special, or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site, nor for the consequences of self-treatment.

About Our Service Cydoctors.com is an online pharmacy based right here in Cyprus. We know that when you’re preparing for travel to a malaria-endemic area or managing a parasitic infection, having reliable access to your medication is essential—so we’ve made our service straightforward, dependable, and built with your convenience in mind. Because we’re local to the island, we can arrange delivery in the shortest possible time. For our customers in Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca, we’re pleased to offer overnight delivery, so your Aralen can be with you by the next day, ready to help protect you from malaria when you need it most.