Chloroquine is a medication that’s been around for a long time, mostly known for treating malaria. But over time, it’s also been looked at for other diseases, including some viral infections. Whether you’ve heard about it because of malaria or recent headlines, this guide breaks down the basics of chloroquine and what you should know before considering it.
Originally, chloroquine was developed to kill the parasites that cause malaria. It helps by interfering with those parasites inside red blood cells. Doctors have prescribed it not just for treating active malaria, but also to prevent it if you’re traveling to areas where malaria is common.
Besides malaria, chloroquine has also been studied for managing certain autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis—though in those cases, doctors often rely on similar drugs with possibly fewer side effects.
Chloroquine works by stopping the malaria parasite from multiplying in your blood. This helps your immune system clear the infection. For other uses, its anti-inflammatory properties play a role, which explains why it’s sometimes used for autoimmune conditions.
It’s important to take chloroquine exactly as your doctor prescribes. Misuse or overuse can cause side effects or lead to resistance, where the medicine no longer works well.
Speaking of side effects, some common ones include nausea, headache, and dizziness. More serious side effects are rare but can affect your heart or vision, so regular checkups may be necessary if you’re on chloroquine for a long time.
Before starting chloroquine, discuss with your healthcare provider if you have any pre-existing conditions, especially related to your heart or eyes. Also, tell them about any other medications you take to avoid bad interactions.
Even though chloroquine got attention in recent times for potential use in viral infections like COVID-19, evidence didn’t strongly support its effectiveness for that. So, it shouldn’t be used casually for viral illnesses without proper medical advice.
In short, chloroquine is a tried-and-tested medicine mainly for malaria and some autoimmune diseases, but it needs to be handled carefully. Always get guidance from a healthcare professional before using it, and stick to their directions to stay safe and get the best results.
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