Generic Aralen (Chloroquine) – An Antimalarial Drug Description Generic Aralen is a medicine with active ingredient chloroquine, a widely-prescribed antimalarial drug. Doctors often recommend taking this medication to treat or prevent malaria, a disease caused by certain strains of the malarial parasite. Generic Aralen is commonly available in two potencies – 250 mg and 500 mg. The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved chloroquine for the treatment and prevention of malaria in 1949. It is quite similar to another malarial drug called hydroxychloroquine, which is sold under the brand name Plaquenil. Apart from treating or preventing malaria, Generic Aralen helps treat extra-intestinal amebiasis, an infection caused by ameba.
Action Mechanism The exact mechanism of action of Generic Aralen in treating and preventing malaria is unknown. However, it is presumed that chloroquine denies the entry of pathogens in the human cells. Malarial parasites enter human red blood cells (RBCs) and cause infection. Chloroquine is believed to prevent the parasites from breaking down hemoglobin in RBCs. Simply put, Generic Aralen does not allow the parasites to enter the cells, preventing malaria. Chloroquine has been found effective against P. vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale, and certain strains of P. falciparum.
Dosage For appropriate dosage and directions, make sure you ask your doctor and follow instructions as advised. To prevent malaria, you need to take Generic Aralen 500 mg on exactly the same day of each week. To treat malaria, take an initial dose of 1 g followed by 500 mg after six to eight hours, and then a single dose of 500 mg on each of two consecutive days. To treat extra-intestinal amebiasis, doctors prescribe 1 g daily for two days and then 500 mg daily for at least two or three weeks. Do not increase or decrease the dosage without your doctor’s consent. Take it exactly as advised. The route of administration is oral; you can take Generic Aralen pills with a glass of water, with a meal.
Precautions Before using Generic Aralen, make sure you tell your doctor whether you have any drug allergies, including chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine Inform your doctor if you have any medical conditions, especially eye problems, hearing issues, kidney or liver dysfunction, genetic disorder called G6PD deficiency, blood disorders, brain disorders, etc. Before taking this antimalarial drug, tell your doctor about the medications you have been using. That’s because certain medications may interact with Generic Aralen, such as antacids. If you are diabetic and taking this malaria drug, you need to monitor your blood sugar levels because chloroquine affects blood sugar levels. Make sure you check the expiry date of the medicine before use; do not take the pills that are outdated.
Side Effects Nausea Vomiting Abdominal cramps Headache Diarrhea The above-mentioned side effects may or may not occur. If they get worse, inform your doctor promptly. Many people using Generic Aralen do not experience serious side effects. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience chest pain, slow heartbeat, mood changes, or eye/hearing issues.
Warnings Generic Aralen may make your skin more sensitive to the sun. So, limit your time in the sun and avoid tanning booths/sunlamps. Make sure you use sunscreen, wear protective clothing and sunglasses when outdoors. Chloroquine may cause a heart condition called arrhythmia, especially in older people, which includes symptoms such as fast/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, and fainting. So, seek medical help if you have these symptoms during treatment. In addition, older people who take Generic Aralen may be more sensitive to the side effects. During pregnancy, chloroquine should be used only if a doctor indicates. Please discuss the benefits or risks of the drugs with your doctor. Chloroquine may pass into breast milk so consult your doctor before you breastfeed your newborn.