Aralen (Chloroquine Phosphate)
Compared with: Blackmores Conceive Well Gold 28 Tablets + 28 Capsules
Aralen (Chloroquine Phosphate) is an antimalarial agent used for prophylaxis and treatment of sensitive strains of Plasmodium malariae, P. vivax, and P. ovale. It disrupts parasite growth by inhibiting heme polymerization, preventing detoxification of hemoglobin breakdown products. Aralen is also employed off‑label in certain autoimmune conditions under specialist supervision.
Chloroquine Phosphate – 155 mg base per 250 mg tablet (equivalent to chloroquine phosphate 300 mg)

Other Popular and Common Names
Chloroquine

CQ Phosphate

Nivaquine (alternate brand)

Antimalarial 4‑aminoquinoline

Autoimmune Modulator (off‑label)
Chloroquine accumulates in parasite‑infected erythrocytes and inhibits heme polymerase activity, leading to accumulation of toxic heme breakdown products (free heme) that damage the parasite’s membranes and proteins, resulting in parasite death. It also exerts immunomodulatory effects by reducing cytokine production.
Malaria Prophylaxis: Prevention of chloroquine‑sensitive malaria in endemic areas.

Malaria Treatment: Sensitive uncomplicated malaria due to P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and sensitive P. falciparum.

Off‑Label: Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (autoimmune disorders) under specialist care.
Indication Adult Dose Schedule Notes
Chemoprophylaxis 300 mg base (2 tablets) once weekly Start 1–2 weeks before travel; continue weekly during stay and for 4 weeks after leaving endemic area Take same day each week; with food or milk to reduce GI upset
Treatment of Uncomplicated Malaria 600 mg base (4 tablets) on Day 1 (split doses)
300 mg base on Day 2 and Day 3 Day 1: 300 mg base ×2 at 12 h interval
Days 2–3: 300 mg base once daily Verify sensitivity; adjust pediatric dose by weight (5 mg/kg base)

Pediatric Dosing: 5 mg/kg base weekly for prophylaxis; 10 mg/kg base on Day 1, then 5 mg/kg on Days 2–3 for treatment.

Administration: Swallow tablets whole with water; avoid crushing.
Formulation: Film‑coated tablets

Strength: 155 mg chloroquine base (250 mg chloroquine phosphate) per tablet

Route: Oral

Legal Status: Prescription Only Medicine
Pregnancy: Category C – Use only if benefits justify potential fetal risk; prophylaxis in pregnant travelers may be indicated.

Breastfeeding: Excreted in breast milk; monitor infant for gastrointestinal intolerance and irritability.

G6PD Deficiency: Use with caution; hemolysis risk.

Hepatic/Renal Impairment: Use lower doses and monitor organ function.
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps

Pruritus (especially in dark‑skinned individuals)

Headache, dizziness

Visual disturbances (blurred vision, difficulty focusing)

Serious (rare):

Retinopathy and irreversible vision loss with long‑term use

Cardiotoxicity (QT prolongation, arrhythmias)

Neurotoxicity (convulsions, personality changes)

Hypoglycemia, blood dyscrasias (agranulocytosis)
Ophthalmologic Monitoring: Baseline and periodic eye exams for long‑term therapy to detect early retinopathy.

Cardiac: Avoid in patients with known QT prolongation or on other QT‑prolonging drugs; monitor ECG if indicated.

Neurologic: Use cautiously in seizure disorders.

Dermatologic: Photosensitivity reactions may occur; use sun protection.

Overdose Risk: Chloroquine has a narrow therapeutic index; acute overdose can be fatal—keep out of children’s reach.
Therapeutic Class: Antimalarial

Pharmacologic Class: 4‑Aminoquinoline

Legal Category: Prescription Only
QT‑Prolonging Agents (e.g., macrolides, fluoroquinolones): Additive cardiotoxicity risk.

Antiepileptics (e.g., phenobarbital, carbamazepine): May decrease chloroquine levels via CYP induction.

Cimetidine: Can increase chloroquine concentration; monitor for toxicity.

Digoxin: Chloroquine may elevate digoxin levels; monitor serum digoxin.

Antidiabetic Agents: Risk of hypoglycemia; monitor blood glucose.
Historical trials demonstrate >95 % prophylactic efficacy in chloroquine‑sensitive regions when adherence maintained.
In autoimmune conditions, low‑dose chloroquine shows symptom improvement and reduced flares, per controlled studies.
Comparison with Blackmores Conceive Well Gold
Aralen provides antimalarial and immunomodulatory therapy, while Blackmores Conceive Well Gold supplies preconception vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Women traveling to endemic areas during preconception should complete antimalarial prophylaxis and consult a physician before resuming fertility supplementation.
FAQs – Aralen (Chloroquine Phosphate)
Q1. How soon before travel should I start Aralen?
A: Begin 1–2 weeks before entering a chloroquine‑sensitive malaria area to ensure adequate blood levels.

Q2. Can I take Aralen daily instead of weekly?
A: No. Weekly dosing provides sufficient prophylactic levels; daily dosing increases toxicity risk.

Q3. What if I miss a dose?
A: Take as soon as remembered within 24 hours of the scheduled dose; if later, resume the weekly schedule; do not double the next dose.

Q4. How long after return should I continue prophylaxis?
A: Continue weekly doses for 4 weeks after leaving the endemic region.

Q5. Is chloroquine safe in children?
A: Yes, with weight‑based dosing; pediatric formulations or tablets may be divided under guidance.

Q6. What baseline tests are needed for long‑term use?
A: Ophthalmologic exam and ECG in patients requiring extended therapy for autoimmune conditions.

Q7. Can I use Aralen for P. falciparum in Africa?
A: Not in regions with chloroquine‑resistant P. falciparum; use an alternative prophylactic agent per local guidelines.
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