Aralen

Aralen (Chloroquine)

General information

Aralen is an antimalarial drug. The exact way the drug works is damage their DNA. It is used to treat and to prevent malaria. The medicine is also used to treat infections caused by amoebae.

Directions

Take each dose with a full glass of water or with meal. The intake of the drug must be different that depends on the type of infection. For treating of malaria, in adults the dosage is 500 mg at the same day of each week. In children the base dose is 5 mg per kg of body weight, 10 mg base/kg must be divided in two doses with break on six hours. For treating of acute attack, in adults the recommended dose is 1 g followed by an additional 500 mg after six to eight hours and a one dose of 500 mg on each of two cumulative days. Take Aralen exactly as directed by your doctor.

Precautions

If you use the drug for a long time, it may cause problems with your blood or asthenia of muscles, blurred or misty vision. Use caution when driving or performing other hazardous activities. Call your doctor for medical advice if the symptoms don't improve.

Contraindications

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have an allergic reaction to it, liver or kidney illness, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, problems with the nervous system, diabetes or if you are chronic alcoholism. If the drug is used for treatment of malaria, it may be decided that the benefits outweigh the risks. Connect with your doctor accordingly.

Possible side effects

Aralen may cause an allergy, difficulty breathing, visual disturbances such as blurred vision, misty vision, hearing loss or ringing in the ears, diarrhea, sickness, belly pain, retching or loss of appetite, muscle weakness or a rash. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Drug interactions

Aralen can cooperate with ampicillin, antacids that contain magnesium, cimetidine, cyclosporine or kaolin. Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, without first talking to your doctor.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Call emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Be careful as the death due to respiratory distress may happen during 2 hours after the intake. Overdose symptoms may include giddiness, sickness, retching, absence of control, seizure, visual changes or coma.

Storage

Store your medicines at room temperature between 20-25 C (68-77 F). Store away from moisture and light. Keep it out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.