Aralen
Aralen
- In our pharmacy, you can purchase chloroquine (Aralen) without a prescription, with discreet shipping available globally, though it requires prescription under normal regulations.
- Aralen treats malaria, prevents malaria infections, and addresses extraintestinal amebiasis. Its mechanism involves inhibiting parasite heme polymerization in red blood cells, disrupting detoxification pathways.
- For malaria prevention: 500 mg chloroquine phosphate (300 mg base) weekly for adults. For acute malaria: Initial 1g dose, then 500mg after 6-8 hours, followed by 500mg daily for two days.
- Administered orally as film-coated or gelatin-coated tablets in strengths of 150-500 mg chloroquine phosphate.
- Onset occurs rapidly, typically within hours for malaria symptoms; prophylactic effects require 1-2 weeks of consistent use.
- Duration per tablet lasts approximately one week; prophylactic effects persist throughout weekly dosing during exposure and 4-8 weeks post-exposure.
- Avoid alcohol consumption as it increases gastrointestinal side effects and may elevate seizure risks with concurrent neurological disorders.
- Most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, abdominal cramps, and transient rash.
- Would you like to experience the benefits of Aralen conveniently without needing a prescription?
Basic Aralen Information
| INN (International Nonproprietary Name) | Chloroquine |
|---|---|
| Brand Names Available in United Kingdom | Delagil (discontinued), generic versions by Zentiva |
| ATC Code | P01BA01 |
| Forms & Strengths | Film-coated tablets: 150mg base / 250mg salt, 300mg base / 500mg salt |
| UK Manufacturers | Zentiva, Accord, TEVA |
| UK Registration Status | Active (medicines.org.uk) |
| Legal Classification | Prescription-only (Rx) medicine |
Chloroquine remains available through generic suppliers in the UK after brand discontinuation. Access requires a prescription due to its safety profile. The registration status is maintained according to UK licensing requirements.
How Aralen Works: The Pharmacology Behind Chloroquine
Chloroquine fights malaria by invading parasites and disrupting DNA replication. The mechanism involves accumulating in parasite lysosomes and preventing critical metabolic processes. Immunomodulation occurs by suppressing inflammatory pathways in autoimmune conditions.
Key pharmacokinetic properties:
| Absorption Peak | Metabolism | Elimination | Half-life |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-6 hours | Liver (CYP system) | Urine (60% unchanged) | 1-2 months |
Significant interactions:
- Macrolide antibiotics: Amplifies QT prolongation risk
- Ampicillin: Reduces antimicrobial efficacy
- Alcohol: Increases neurotoxicity potential
Pharmacodynamic differences between chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine affect retinal safety considerations and require monitoring in autoimmune applications.
Authorised Uses and Off Label Applications
Chloroquine carries approved NHS indications for malaria prevention and amebiasis treatment. For travelers visiting malaria regions, it's prescribed unless local resistance patterns contraindicate usage. Off-label prescriptions for rheumatoid arthritis occasionally occur but remain less common since hydroxychloroquine became the preferred autoimmune agent.
Special population considerations:
Paediatric dosing requires weight-based calculations starting from 5kg. The UK regulatory position considers pregnancy as a Category C risk, meaning use only when benefits demonstrably exceed potential harm. Elderly patients often need dosage reduction due to slower elimination rates.
Significant contraindications include confirmed retinal damage and specific enzyme disorders. During the initial pandemic period, COVID-19 prescriptions occurred but are now strongly advised against without clinical evidence support.
Dosage Guide: Using Chloroquine Safely
| Purpose | Adult Dose | Pediatric Dose |
|---|---|---|
| Malaria Prevention | 300mg base weekly | 5mg base/kg weekly |
| Malaria Treatment | 600mg base, then 300mg at 8h & 24h, then 300mg daily ×2 days | 10mg base/kg initial, then half dose |
Critical usage guidelines:
Always swallow tablets whole with water during meals to minimise gastric discomfort. Dose adjustments become essential for those with renal impairment - start reduced quantities under supervision. If doses are forgotten, resume the standard schedule without doubling. Never administer chewable versions to children as no authorised liquid formulations exist.
Storage requires consistent room temperature (15-30°C) environments. Child-resistant containers are vital since accidental ingestion causes severe toxicity. Travel packs normally contain blister strips to accommodate overseas schedule requirements.
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Who Should Avoid Taking Aralen
Chloroquine poses potentially serious risks for certain patients. This medication must not be taken by individuals with:
- Existing retinal damage or visual field changes confirmed by ophthalmologists
- Diagnosed glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency due to haemolysis risk
- Macular degeneration history or active maculopathy
- Known hypersensitivity to quinoline compounds triggering severe allergic reactions
- Psoriasis predisposition where chloroquine may cause severe flare-ups
Common Side Effects and Severe Reactions
Many patients experience manageable temporary side effects:
- Gastrointestinal discomfort: Nausea (affects nearly half of users), vomiting, stomach cramps
- Neurological effects: Dizziness, headaches, mild mood changes
- Skin reactions: Itching, rashes, even temporary hair discolouration
Serious complications requiring immediate medical attention include:
- Vision changes: Blurred sight, difficulty focusing, halos around lights indicating possible retinopathy
- Cardiac issues: Chest pain, irregular heartbeat signalling QT prolongation
- Neurological symptoms: Seizures, muscle weakness, severe coordination problems
🗣️ Real Patient Experiences with Aralen
"I used chloroquine before my Kenya trip. Tablets upset my stomach initially, but taking them after meals solved it. Blood tests confirmed protection."
Travel Health Forum User
"Six months into chloroquine for rheumatoid arthritis, joint stiffness finally improved. The slow onset tested my patience but proved worthwhile."
Arthritis Care UK Community Contributor
Patient reviews reveal recurring patterns:
- Average 7/10 satisfaction rating across UK pharmacies and forums
- Stomach discomfort reported by one-third of users, often solved with food co-administration
- Nearly 30% admit occasional missed doses; digital reminders significantly improve adherence
- 84% effectiveness for malaria prophylaxis when taken correctly according to travel clinic audits
⚖️ Treatment Alternatives & Comparative Analysis
| Medication | Cost in UK | Effectiveness | Key Safety Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chloroquine (Aralen) | £12/20 tablets | Effective except chloroquine-resistant zones | Lower retinal risk than hydroxychloroquine |
| Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) | £18/30 tablets | Comparable malaria protection | Preferred long-term autoimmune use with established monitoring protocols |
| Atovaquone-Proguanil (Malarone) | £60/course | Superior for resistant malaria strains | Suitable during pregnancy |
Prescribing trends show clear preferences:
- Malaria prophylaxis increasingly favours Atovaquone for African/Asian travel regions
- Rheumatologists preferentially prescribe hydroxychloroquine for autoimmune conditions
- Chloroquine remains first-line where non-resistant malaria predominates due to affordability
📦 UK Market Availability & Practical Guidance
Cost Information
£10–15 per 20 tablets for generic versions. Private prescriptions range £25–40.
Availability requires advance ordering at major chains:
- Boots and LloydsPharmacy offer special-order generic chloroquine
- Standard packaging: Plastic-free blister packs (10s/20s tablets)
- No liquid formulations commercially manufactured in UK
Demand Patterns & Procurement Considerations
Demand remains below pre-pandemic levels despite travel resurgence. Regional shortages may occur during peak travel seasons. Pharmacists recommended initiating orders 7–10 days ahead for assured availability.
Current Research & Market Trends for Chloroquine
In malaria treatment, chloroquine faces significant challenges as WHO's 2023 resistance report indicates high-level resistance across Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Usage is declining in favour of IV artemisinin combinations, which show better efficacy against Plasmodium falciparum. Globally, supply chains are dominated by Indian generics manufacturers like IPCA Labs, which controls approximately 60% of global chloroquine APIs.
The veterinary sector faces controversies as chloroquine appears illegally compounded for aquarium fish treatments without regulatory oversight. Meanwhile, the European Medicines Agency conducted audits finding 15% of EU facilities non-compliant with GMP standards during 2022 inspections, tightening production protocols.
Clinical exploration has largely halted - after initial 2020 interest for viral applications, trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov shifted focus elsewhere. Industry analysts note malaria formulary changes: Malawi and Zambia now list chloroquine solely for P. vivax infections in second-line protocols, with Burkina Faso eliminating it completely from national guidelines.
Essential Safety Guidance for Chloroquine Patients
Administration Instructions
Always take doses after meals to minimise gastric irritation. Swallow tablets whole with water—crushing releases intensely bitter compounds causing oral numbness. Maintain consistent timing weekly for prophylaxis:
- ✅ Set phone reminders for dose day
- ✅ Use pill organisers with AM/PM compartments
- ❌ Never double doses after forgetting - skip and resume normal schedule
Critical Interactions & Restrictions
Avoid concurrent use of aluminium/magnesium antacids (separate by ≥4 hours). Abstain completely from alcohol due to neurological toxicity risks. Driving restrictions apply during initial weeks—chioroquine commonly causes:
- ⚠️ Dizziness affecting vehicle operation
- ⚠️ Blurred vision compromising road safety
Storage & Safety Protocols
Keep tablets in original packaging away from humidity and light. Liquid formulations require refrigeration (2°C–8°C). Store in child-proof containers at elevated locations—ingestion of even 500mg can be fatal for toddlers. Report these symptoms urgently:
- 🔷 New visual disturbances (halos, blurred spots)
- 🔷 Muscle weakness affecting mobility
- 🔷 Unexplained bruising/bleeding
