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What is Chloroquine Phosphate used for?
Chloroquine Phosphate is an antimalarial drug that is used to treat and prevent malaria. It kills malaria parasites by damaging their DNA. This medication is also used to treat infections caused by amoebae. This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
What is the recommended dosage of Chloroquine Phosphate?
The dosage of Chloroquine Phosphate prescribed to each patient will vary. Always follow your physician’s instructions and/or the directions on the prescription drug label.
Take each dose of Chloroquine Phosphate with a full glass of water. This medication may be taken with or without food. However, if stomach upset occurs, then take it with food.
What if you miss a dose of Chloroquine Phosphate?
If your physician has instructed or directed you to take Chloroquine Phosphate medication in a regular schedule and you have missed a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the doses unless otherwise directed.
What if you overdose on Chloroquine Phosphate?
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Chloroquine Phosphate, seek medical attention immediately. Some of the overdose symptoms of this drug are drowsiness, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
What other drugs could interact with Chloroquine Phosphate?
- Agalsidase
- Cimetidine
- Magnesium trisilicate
- Mefloquine
- Penicillamine
- Quinidine
- Quinine
It may be noted that drugs other than those listed above may also interact with Chloroquine Phosphate.
Usually drug interactions occur when it is taken with another drug or with food. Before you take a medication for a particular ailment, you should inform the health expert about intake of any other medications including non-prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines that may increase the effect of Chloroquine Phosphate, and dietary supplements like vitamins, minerals and herbal, so that the doctor can warn you of any possible drug interactions.
Chloroquine Phosphate can interact with antacids containing magnesium.
Do let your doctor know if you smoke, consume alcohol or caffeinated drinks, or use illegal drugs as these may interfere with the action of your medication. Make sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions you may have, or any family history of medical problems. Do not start or stop using any medicine without consulting your doctor.
What are the side effects of Chloroquine Phosphate?
Like other medicines, Chloroquine Phosphate can cause some side effects. If they do occur, the side effects of Chloroquine Phosphate are most likely to be minor and temporary. However, some may be serious and may require the individual to inform the doctor or visit the nearest hospital immediately.
It is pertinent to note that side effects of Chloroquine Phosphate cannot be anticipated. If any side effects of Chloroquine Phosphate develop or change in intensity, the doctor should be informed as soon as possible.
Chloroquine Phosphate can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Some of the serious side effects of this drug are high fever, fast heartbeat, depression, ringing in ears, and unusual bleeding or bruising. This is not a complete list of all side effects. Do concur with your doctor and follow his directions completely when you are taking Chloroquine Phosphate.
What are the questions to ask your doctor before taking Chloroquine Phosphate?
Is it possible for me to take Chloroquine Phosphate with other drugs?
Should certain beverages, foods and other products be avoided when I take Chloroquine Phosphate?
What are the possible drug interactions of Chloroquine Phosphate?
How will Chloroquine Phosphate work in my body?
How should Chloroquine Phosphate be taken?
How to reduce the risk of Chloroquine Phosphate drug interactions and side effects?
Note
The health and medical information provided here is intended to supplement and not substitute for the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacists or other health care professional. Before taking Chloroquine Phosphate, inform your doctor if you are suffering from liver disease, brain disease, blood disease, stomach disease, vision problems, and psoriasis. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy and breast-feeding. As Chloroquine Phosphate may cause visual disturbances, caution needs to be exercised when driving or performing other hazardous activities.
