Generic Chloroquine

Introduction

Chloroquine, containing the active compound Chloroquine Phosphate, belongs to the anti‑viral and antiparasitic medication groups. Historically it has been used to prevent and treat malaria caused by Plasmodium parasites, and it also has recognised activity against certain rheumatic conditions. In the United Kingdom the drug is primarily prescribed for malaria prophylaxis, for the treatment of acute malaria where resistance to other agents is low, and, on a case‑by‑case basis, for autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis when standard therapies are unsuitable.

What is Chloroquine?

Chloroquine is a synthetic antimalarial that was first introduced in the 193 s and has since become a cornerstone of global malaria control programmes. It is classified as an anti‑viral and antiparasitic agent.

Chloroquine is the generic version of the original brand “Aralen” (also marketed historically as “Nivaquine” and “Resochin”). Both the brand‑name and generic formulations contain the same active ingredient, Chloroquine Phosphate. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost‑effective treatment option for adults in the UK.

How Chloroquine Works

The antimalarial effect of chloroquine derives from its ability to accumulate in the acidic food‑vacoule of Plasmodium‑infected red blood cells. Within the vacuole, chloroquine raises the pH, disrupting heme polymerisation. The parasite normally detoxifies heme by converting it to hemozoin; chloroquine blocks this pathway, causing toxic heme to build up and ultimately leading to parasite death.

In rheumatic disease the drug exerts immunomodulatory actions that are less well‑understood but include inhibition of antigen presentation, reduction of cytokine release (particularly interleukin‑1, tumour‑necrosis‑factor‑α, and interferon‑γ), and interference with Toll‑like‑receptor signalling. These actions attenuate the inflammatory cascade that drives tissue damage in diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Oral absorption of chloroquine is rapid, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 2–4 hours after ingestion. The drug’s long elimination half‑life (approximately 1–2 weeks) underlies its weekly dosing schedule for malaria prophylaxis, while steady‑state concentrations are achieved after about 3 weeks of continuous use.

Conditions Treated with Chloroquine

Only the first two indications are formally approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for use in the UK. Use in SLE and RA is off‑label and should be undertaken under specialist supervision.

Patient Populations Most Likely to Benefit

Adults who travel to malaria‑endemic regions (e.g., sub‑Saharan Africa, South‑East Asia, Oceania) where chloroquine‑sensitive Plasmodium species predominate are primary candidates for prophylaxis. Individuals with a documented history of chloroquine‑sensitive malaria infection can also use it for treatment.

In the rheumatology sphere, patients with cutaneous SLE who experience frequent photosensitivity, or those with active joint disease in RA who have failed or are intolerant to first‑line DMARDs, may be considered for chloroquine. In both scenarios the drug is most beneficial when the disease phenotype is photo‑ or inflammation‑driven, and when other disease‑modifying agents are contraindicated.

The drug is not appropriate for people with known hypersensitivity to chloroquine or related quinoline compounds, for patients with established severe cardiac conduction abnormalities, or for those with chronic hepatic or renal impairment without dose adjustment.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common adverse events

• Gastro‑intestinal discomfort (nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea).
• Pruritus and skin rash – often an early reaction to the compound’s quinoline structure.
• Transient visual disturbance (blurred vision, photopsia) that resolves after treatment completion.

Rare adverse events

• Retinal toxicity (chloroquine‑induced retinopathy) – irreversible changes may develop after prolonged high‑dose exposure; early detection via regular ophthalmologic screening is advised.
• Severe hypoglycaemia – particularly in patients on insulin or sulfonylureas, due to enhanced pancreatic insulin secretion.

Serious adverse events

• Cardiac conduction abnormalities: prolonged QT interval and rare cases of ventricular arrhythmia, especially when combined with other QT‑prolonging drugs.
• Hepatotoxicity: clinically significant transaminitis documented in isolated case reports; routine liver function monitoring may be warranted for long‑term use.

Clinically relevant drug–drug interactions

• CYP2D6 substrates (e.g., some antidepressants, β‑blockers) – chloroquine can inhibit CYP2D6, raising plasma levels of co‑administered drugs.
• Antacids and iron supplements – may decrease oral absorption; separate administration by ≥ 2 hours is recommended.
• Other QT‑prolonging agents (e.g., quinolone antibiotics, macrolide antibiotics, certain anti‑arrhythmics) – additive risk of cardiac arrhythmia; ECG monitoring advised.
• Antidiabetic agents – intensified insulin or sulfonylurea effect, necessitating dose reduction of the hypoglycaemic drug.

Patients must disclose all current medications, including over‑the‑counter products and herbal supplements, to the prescribing clinician before initiating chloroquine.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

Standard adult dosing (general information only):

• Malaria prophylaxis: 250 mg base (equivalent to 310 mg chloroquine phosphate) taken once weekly on the same day, beginning 1‑2 weeks before travel and continued for 4 weeks after leaving the endemic area.
• Acute malaria treatment: 250 mg base daily for 3 days (total 750 mg base).
• Rheumatic disease (off‑label): 250 mg base once daily; dosing may be reduced to 125 mg in patients with retinal risk factors or reduced renal function.

Missed dose – If a weekly prophylaxis dose is missed, the patient should take the missed dose as soon as possible, then continue the regular weekly schedule; however, a double dose within 24 hours is discouraged. For daily regimens, a missed tablet should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled dose, in which case the patient should skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule.

Overdose – Acute ingestion of more than 2 g of chloroquine phosphate in adults can produce serious toxicity, including cardiovascular collapse, seizures, and potentially fatal ventricular arrhythmia. Immediate medical attention is essential. If an overdose is suspected, emergency services should be contacted, and activated charcoal may be administered by a healthcare professional within one hour of ingestion.

Practical precautions – The tablet should be taken with a full glass of water; food does not significantly alter absorption, but alcohol should be avoided as it may exacerbate central nervous system effects. Patients with known G6PD deficiency should discuss potential risks with their clinician, as hemolysis has been reported in rare cases.

Buying Chloroquine from Our Online Pharmacy

Chloroquine can be purchased from our online pharmacy in the UK. Our service offers the following advantages:

• Affordable pricing – medicines are sourced close to manufacturer cost, reducing the price gap between generic and brand‑name products.
• Verified quality – every batch is supplied by internationally licensed, WHO‑certified manufacturers and undergoes third‑party testing before shipping.
• Guaranteed delivery – discreet packaging, with express delivery in 7 days for most destinations and regular airmail (≈ 3 weeks) for remote regions.
• International access – as a pharmacy‑broker service, we collaborate with overseas licensed pharmacies, allowing patients to obtain medications not widely stocked in local UK pharmacies while maintaining strict privacy standards.

Our online pharmacy is dedicated to providing a safe, cost‑effective alternative for adults who have limited access to conventional pharmacy channels, insurance‑covered supply, or who prefer a private ordering route. All sales comply with UK import regulations and MHRA guidance for personal possession of prescription‑only medicines.

FAQ

• Is Chloroquine available in both brand‑name and generic forms in the UK?
  Yes, chloroquine is marketed under the historic brand name “Aralen” as well as under various generic labels. The generic tablets sold by our online pharmacy contain the identical active ingredient, Chloroquine Phosphate, offering the same therapeutic effect at a lower cost.

• How should Chloroquine be stored to maintain stability?
  Store the tablets at room temperature (15‑25 °C), protected from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. A dry cupboard away from the kitchen sink is ideal; the medication does not require refrigeration.

• What are the typical physical characteristics of chloroquine tablets?
  Standard UK‑marketed chloroquine tablets are round, film‑coated, and white to off‑white. Each tablet contains 250 mg of chloroquine base (approximately 310 mg chloroquine phosphate) and inert excipients such as lactose, starch, and magnesium stearate.

• Can I travel with chloroquine on a flight within the EU?
  Yes, provided you have a valid prescription or a personal import licence if required. Keep the medication in its original labelled packaging, and carry a copy of the prescription or the pharmacy invoice to satisfy customs checks.

• Does chloroquine have any effect on liver function tests?
  Rare cases of elevated transaminases have been reported, especially during prolonged high‑dose therapy for rheumatic disease. Routine liver function monitoring is advisable for patients on chloroquine longer than 3 months.

• Are there special considerations for chloroquine when used by people with G6PD deficiency?
  While chloroquine is not a primary trigger for haemolysis, isolated reports suggest increased risk in severe G6PD deficiency. Patients should discuss their enzyme status with a clinician before initiating therapy.

• What packaging does chloroquine arrive in when ordered online?
  Our pharmacy ships chloroquine in a tamper‑evident, discreet envelope with the tablet blister pack inside. Each package includes the product name, batch number, and expiry date printed on the outer label for easy verification.

• Is it legal to import a personal supply of chloroquine for private use in the UK?
  Personal import of prescription‑only medicines is permitted under the UK’s Human Medicines Regulations when a valid prescription or a “personal import” declaration is provided. Our service supplies all required documentation to support compliant import.

• How does chloroquine’s half‑life influence dosing for long‑term use?
  The long elimination half‑life (≈ 1–2 weeks) allows once‑weekly dosing for malaria prophylaxis and supports the once‑daily low‑dose schedule used off‑label for autoimmune disease. However, it also necessitates careful monitoring for cumulative toxicity, especially retinal effects.

• Does chloroquine interact with over‑the‑counter antihistamines?
  Most antihistamines have minimal interaction with chloroquine, but first‑generation agents such as diphenhydramine can increase CNS sedation when taken together. Patients should avoid combining sedating antihistamines with chloroquine without medical advice.

Glossary

Pharmacokinetics

The study of how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolised, and excreted by the body.

Retinal toxicity

Damage to the retina caused by excessive drug accumulation, potentially leading to visual impairment; chloroquine is known to cause this after prolonged high‑dose exposure.

Therapeutic window

The concentration range in which a drug is effective without producing unacceptable side effects.

QT interval

A measurement on an electrocardiogram representing the time for ventricular depolarisation and repolarisation; prolongation can predispose to dangerous arrhythmias.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Chloroquine is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Chloroquine for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.