Aralen Phosphate
Generic name:chloroquine [ KLOR-oh-kwin ]
Drug classes:Amebicides, Antimalarial quinolines
The Aralen Phosphate brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. If generic versions of this product have been approved by the FDA, there may be generic equivalents available.
What is Aralen Phosphate?
Aralen Phosphate is used to treat or prevent malaria, a disease caused by parasites that enter the body through the bite of a mosquito. This medicine is not effective against all strains of malaria, or against malaria in areas where the infection has been resistant to a similar drug called hydroxychloroquine.
Aralen Phosphate is also used to treat amebiasis (infection caused by amoebae).
Aralen Phosphate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Aralen Phosphate can cause dangerous effects on your heart, especially if you also use certain other medicines. Seek emergency medical attention if you have fast or pounding heartbeats and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out).
Taking Aralen Phosphate long-term or at high doses may cause irreversible damage to the retina of your eye that could progress to permanent vision problems. You may not be able to use Aralen Phosphate if you have a history of vision changes or damage to your retina.
Stop taking Aralen Phosphate and call your doctor at once if you have blurred vision, trouble focusing, distorted vision, blind spots, trouble reading, hazy or cloudy vision, increased sensitivity to light.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to Aralen Phosphate or hydroxychloroquine. You may not be able to use this medicine if you have ever had vision changes or damage to your retina.
High doses or long-term use of chloroquine may cause irreversible damage to your retina (the membrane layer inside your eye that helps produce vision). This could progress to permanent vision problems. The risk of retinal damage is higher in people with pre-existing eye problems, kidney disease, or people who also take tamoxifen.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
vision changes or damage to your retina caused by an anti-malaria medication;
heart disease, heart rhythm disorder (such as long QT syndrome);
an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of po...
