Aralen Phosphate is taken orally in the form of tablets. It’s important to follow the prescribed dosage exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. The tablets should be taken with food or a full glass of water to reduce the likelihood of stomach upset.

For Malaria Prevention: Start taking the medication 1-2 weeks before traveling to malaria-endemic regions. Continue for 4 weeks after returning.

For Malaria Treatment: The initial dose should be taken as instructed by your physician, but follow-up dosages are usually given 6, 24 and 48 hours later

For Autoimmune Diseases: Dosage is less often administered and is adjusted for a patient by a medical doctor based on the latter’s condition.

Aralen Phosphate (chloroquine) acts by targeting the malaria-causing Plasmodium parasites. Once inside the red blood cells, chloroquine interferes with the parasite’s ability to digest hemoglobin, an essential nutrient for its survival. By accumulating within the parasite, chloroquine disrupts its function and kills the parasite, which prevents it from spreading.

In the context of autoimmune diseases, chloroquine is known to act by decreasing the activity of the immune system. This can potentially minimize inflammation and stop the immune system from attacking the body’s tissues, a classic feature of conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Most people can tolerate Aralen Phosphate with minimal side effects, but side effects can occur. The most common side effects include:

Mild side effects:

• Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, or diarrhea.
• Headache, dizziness, or blurred vision.
• Rash or itching.

Severe side effects (though rare):

Retinal damage: Chloroquine use for more than a long time causes retinal damage, leading to vision problems. This is especially common in patients who have been on the drug for a long time or at high doses.

Muscle weakness: This can occur, especially with long-term use.

Cardiac toxicity: Chloroquine affects the heart, leading to irregular heart rhythms or other cardiovascular problems.

Liver toxicity: It is a rare and severe side effect that mainly occurs in patients who already have a liver disease.

Seek immediate medical attention if any of the serious side effects occur.

Eye Health: A long-term user of chloroquine should be on eye examination to monitor retinal damage.

Pre-existing conditions: The drug should be used cautiously in people suffering from liver disease, heart diseases, or retinal disease. Even a history of seizure would require careful observation.

Pregnancy: Chloroquine falls in Category C during pregnancy and is prescribed only when benefits are greater than the risk. Pregnant women must seek consultation with their doctors before taking Aralen Phosphate.

Drug Interactions: Chloroquine interacts with many drugs; therefore, it is advisable to report all medications taken to the healthcare provider to avoid any adverse interactions.

Antacids: Antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium can interfere with chloroquine absorption. Therefore, it is recommended that Aralen Phosphate should be taken at least 4 hours before or after an antacid.

Cimetidine: This medication can increase the blood level of chloroquine. Thus, the risk for side effects is increased.

Antimalarial drugs: Other antimalarial drugs such as mefloquine or quinine can interact with chloroquine and enhance the risk of toxicity.

Other medications: Certain drugs that affect the liver enzymes, such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, may decrease the effectiveness of chloroquine.

The dosage of Aralen Phosphate varies depending on the condition being treated:

For malaria prevention: Adults typically take 500 mg weekly, starting 1-2 weeks before travel to a malaria-endemic region and continuing for 4 weeks after returning.

For acute malaria: The dosage usually begins at 1,000 mg (base), followed by 500 mg at 6, 24, and 48 hours.

For rheumatoid arthritis and lupus: The dosages are usually lower for these diseases, and the specific dosing regimen should be decided by the doctor.

Aralen Phosphate is only available by prescription. Dosage will be determined by a healthcare provider based on the individual’s health status and condition being treated. Monitoring is usually necessary to determine whether the medication is effective, as well as to look for side effects, which may occur during long-term use.

1. What is Aralen Phosphate?

   • Answer: Aralen Phosphate is the trade name for chloroquine phosphate, an anti-parasitic medication used to prevent and treat malaria and to treat certain autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

2. How does Aralen Phosphate work?

   • Answer: Aralen Phosphate works by interfering with the growth of parasites in the red blood cells, effectively stopping the malaria parasite and also modulating the immune response in autoimmune diseases.

3. What conditions is Aralen Phosphate used to treat?

   • Answer: Aralen Phosphate is primarily used for the treatment and prevention of malaria. It is also used to manage symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus).

4. What are the common side effects of Aralen Phosphate?

   • Answer: Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and headaches. Some patients may also experience changes in vision or skin reactions.

5. Can Aralen Phosphate cause serious side effects?

   • Answer: Yes, serious side effects can include vision problems, severe allergic reactions, heart rhythm changes, and blood disorders. Seek medical attention if severe symptoms occur.

6. Is Aralen Phosphate safe during pregnancy?

   • Answer: Aralen Phosphate is generally considered safe during pregnancy when prescribed and taken under the supervision of a healthcare provider, especially for malaria prevention and treatment.

7. How should I take Aralen Phosphate?

   • Answer: Aralen Phosphate is usually taken by mouth in tablet form, with or without food. It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s prescribed dosage.

8. What should I do if I miss a dose of Aralen Phosphate?

   • Answer: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose.

9. Can I stop taking Aralen Phosphate suddenly?

   • Answer: It is important to talk to your healthcare provider before stopping Aralen Phosphate, as abruptly stopping the medication, especially for malaria treatment, can lead to complications.

10. Are there any drug interactions with Aralen Phosphate?

    • Answer: Yes, Aralen Phosphate can interact with other medications such as certain antacids, digoxin, and other drugs that affect heart rhythm. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking.

11. Is Aralen Phosphate effective against all strains of malaria?

    • Answer: No, Aralen Phosphate is not effective against all strains of malaria, particularly some strains of Plasmodium falciparum that have developed resistance to chloroquine.

12. Can Aralen Phosphate be used to treat COVID-19?

    • Answer: While there was interest in using chloroquine for COVID-19 treatment, the evidence does not support its effectiveness for this purpose. It is not recommended outside of clinical trials.

13. How long does it take for Aralen Phosphate to work?

    • Answer: For malaria treatment, improvement can often be seen within a few days; however, full treatment may require several days of therapy depending on the severity and type of malaria.

14. What should I do if I experience side effects from Aralen Phosphate?

    • Answer: If you experience troublesome side effects, contact your healthcare provider. For severe reactions, seek immediate medical attention.

15. Can children take Aralen Phosphate?

    • Answer: Yes, Aralen Phosphate can be prescribed to children, but the dosage must be carefully adjusted based on the child’s weight and specific condition. Consultation with a pediatrician is essential.

16. Is Aralen Phosphate available in a generic form?

    • Answer: Yes, chloroquine phosphate is available as a generic medication under various names and formulations.

17. How should Aralen Phosphate be stored?

    • Answer: Store Aralen Phosphate at room temperature, away from light and moisture, and out of reach of children.

18. Are there any dietary restrictions while taking Aralen Phosphate?

    • Answer: While there are no strict dietary restrictions, it is advised to avoid taking it with antacids or other medicinal products that contain calcium, magnesium, or aluminum.

19. Can Aralen Phosphate affect my vision?

    • Answer: Yes, prolonged use of Aralen Phosphate can lead to retinal damage or vision problems. Regular eye exams are recommended for long-term users.

20. Where can I find more information about Aralen Phosphate?

    • Answer: You can find more information through the prescribing information provided with the medication, your healthcare provider, or reliable medical websites.