Chloroquine Phosphate Tablet 250mg (Harmann)

About Chloroquine Phosphate Tablet 250mg (Harmann)

Chloroquine Phosphate Tablet 250mg Uses

• Treats acute malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium malariae and sensitive strains of Plasmodium falciparum.
• Used for malaria prevention in adults traveling to malaria endemic regions.
• Sometimes used for extraintestinal amoebic hepatitis and select autoimmune skin conditions under specialist care.

Chloroquine Phosphate Tablet 250mg Benefits

• Full adult strength dose in a single tablet, making dosing simpler.
• Long clinical history means its safety profile is well understood by doctors.
• Cost effective option compared to newer combination antimalarial therapies.

What Experts Say

Malaria remains a public health concern in Pakistan, with vivax malaria reported in significant numbers every year, particularly during and after the rainy season when stagnant water increases mosquito activity. Full strength chloroquine tablets like this one are still prescribed for adults with confirmed sensitive strains.

Health experts point out that chloroquine works well against vivax, ovale and malariae malaria in most parts of the country, though resistant falciparum malaria requires alternative combination treatment instead. Doctors typically request a blood test to confirm the exact parasite species before prescribing this tablet.

Specialists also stress the importance of finishing the entire course as prescribed, since an incomplete course can allow the infection to return weeks later in a relapse. Anyone with a history of heart rhythm problems or retinal disease should discuss this with their doctor before starting treatment.

Drug Class

• Antimalarial (4-aminoquinoline)

Chloroquine Phosphate Tablet 250mg (Harmann) formula

• Chloroquine Phosphate

Available forms

• Tablet

How to use Chloroquine Phosphate Tablet 250mg (Harmann)?

• Take with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water.
• Follow the prescribed schedule exactly, whether for treatment or for malaria prevention.
• Complete the full treatment course even if symptoms improve early.
• Do not double the next dose if one is missed, simply resume the normal schedule.

Drug Interactions

• Antacids: Reduce chloroquine absorption when taken at the same time.
• Ampicillin: Chloroquine can lower ampicillin absorption if taken together.
• Cimetidine: May slow chloroquine metabolism and raise its blood levels.
• Other QT Prolonging Drugs: Increases the risk of heart rhythm disturbances when combined.
• Mefloquine: Raises the risk of seizures when used together.

Risks and warnings

• Retinal Toxicity: Long term or high cumulative dosing can damage the retina and cause permanent vision changes.
• Cardiac QT Prolongation: Can disturb heart rhythm, especially in people with existing heart conditions.
• G6PD Deficiency: May trigger red blood cell breakdown in susceptible patients.
• Liver Or Kidney Disease: Requires dose adjustment and closer monitoring.
• Psoriasis Or Porphyria: Chloroquine can worsen these conditions.
• Pregnancy: Generally considered acceptable for treating malaria in pregnancy under medical supervision.

Chloroquine Phosphate Tablet 250mg Side Effects

• Nausea and stomach upset
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Itching and skin rash
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle weakness with prolonged use

Storage Conditions

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place.
• Keep the tablets sealed inside their original blister strip until use.
• Protect from moisture, heat and direct sunlight.
• Keep out of reach of children.