Healthwise

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Chloroquine Oral Tablet (CHLOROQUINE - ORAL)

Instructions

Take the medicine with food.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

Do not take antacids within 4 hours before or after this medicine.

Tell your doctor if you have severe or persistent sweating, diarrhea or vomiting. These can increase your risk of a serious side effect.

This medicine can make you sensitive to the sun. Use sunscreen or protective clothing when in sun.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

This medicine may cause low blood sugar. Eat regular meals and exercise as instructed by your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have symptoms of low blood sugar such as nausea, sweating, cold skin, fast heartbeat, hunger, and irritability.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Generic Name: Chloroquine Phosphate

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

This medicine may increase risk for an abnormal, life-threatening heart rhythm. This risk increases with some medical conditions. Combination with other medicines that increase QT prolongation, such as azithromycin, can also increase risk. Before starting this medicine, make sure your provider is aware of all medicines and medical conditions.

This medicine is associated with a rare but very serious medical condition. Please speak with your doctor about symptoms you should look out for while on this medicine. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop those symptoms.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

Taking this medicine in high doses or for a long time can damage the eyes and cause blindness. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor immediately if you notice any changes in vision. These changes may be blurred vision, light streaks or flashes, or swelling or color changes in the eye.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

If you drink more than a few alcoholic beverages each day, ask your doctor whether you should be on this medicine.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • blurry vision
  • diarrhea
  • headaches
  • nausea and vomiting
  • stomach upset or abdominal pain

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • bleeding or bruising
  • confusion
  • depression or feeling sad
  • ear problems (ringing in the ears, hearing loss)
  • swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
  • fainting
  • fever
  • swelling in the neck or throat
  • changes in hair color
  • hair loss
  • hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
  • fast, irregular, or slow heartbeat
  • signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
  • signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
  • mood changes
  • uncontrollable movement of face, tongue, arms or legs
  • muscle weakness
  • ringing in the ears
  • seizures
  • shortness of breath
  • suicidal thoughts
  • sudden or unexplained weight gain

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

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