4-Aminoquinolines, Oral
What are other names for this medicine?
Type of medicine: antimalarial
Generic and brand names: chloroquine, oral; hydroxychloroquine, oral; 4-aminoquinolines, oral; Aralen Phosphate; Plaquenil Sulfate
What is this medicine used for?
This medicine is used to prevent or treat malaria and certain liver diseases. It may also be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and to control the symptoms of lupus.
What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?
Before taking this medicine, tell your health care provider if you have:
- liver disease
- a history of alcoholism
- any retinal or vision changes
- psoriasis. If you have psoriasis, this medicine may cause a severe attack.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking this medicine. Do not breast feed while taking this medicine.
How should I take it?
Take this medicine with meals or milk to lessen stomach upset, unless your health care provider tells you otherwise.
Take this medicine exactly as your health care provider prescribes. Do not take more of it or take it longer than prescribed.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your health care provider.
What should I watch out for?
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children because it is very poisonous to them.
This medicine may make you feel dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
If you develop any muscle weakness while taking this medicine, contact your health care provider.
Have your eyes examined every 3 to 6 months while you are taking this medicine. Using this medicine for a long time, or in high doses, can damage the retina of the eye. Discuss this with your health care provider.
What are the possible side effects?
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Blurred vision, major vision changes, hearing problems, mood changes, sore throat, fever, seizures.
Other: Diarrhea, headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, dizziness, nervousness, loss of appetite, rash, bleaching of hair.
What products might interact with this medicine?
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking:
- medicines used to treat diarrhea (such as Kaopectate and Donnagel)
- cimetidine (Tagamet)
- the magnesium trisilicate in many antacids.
Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine because it may increase the risk of liver damage.
Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
How should I store this medicine?
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
