Chloroquine
Chloroquine (Aralen) provides an effective option for managing Malaria, serving as a long-standing Antiparasitics agent. One product is available under the Aralen brand. Tablets remain the primary form, ensuring a standard choice for patients. Medication history extends across several decades, offering a consistent approach for various clinical needs.
Key points
- It works by interfering with how the malaria parasite digests haemoglobin inside red blood cells, effectively starving it.
- Beyond Aralen, the same ingredient is also sold as Avloclor and Nivaquine.
- This medicine targets the blood-stage form of the parasite so that its rapid multiplication is slowed, supporting both prevention and treatment of malaria.
- Antacids and some heart medicines may reduce how well it works, so a medical review is advised beforehand.
What is Chloroquine?
Classification exists within the Antiparasitics family, specifically targeting organisms that cause infection. Well-known global brands synonymous with this medication include Avloclor and Nivaquine, often utilised alongside the primary Aralen formulation.
Diverse medicinal products serve to standardise dosing and efficacy. Tablets allow for straightforward administration, ensuring accurate intake for patients following a specific regimen for parasitic management.
What Chloroquine is used for
Primary application addresses cases of Malaria. Prevention and treatment often require consistent adherence to a schedule provided by a medical practitioner, as the compound acts directly on the blood stages of the parasite to inhibit its lifecycle and stop rapid multiplication.
How does Chloroquine work?
Mechanism involves the disruption of the parasite’s ability to digest haemoglobin, which is their primary food source in human red blood cells. By essentially starving the harmful organism, the medication slows the infection, allowing the body to manage the remaining parasites more efficiently.
Safety overview for Chloroquine
What to check before using this medicine
Individuals should verify their medical background, particularly regarding eye health and liver function. Allergy testing or prior reactions to similar compounds are essential checks before initiating any treatment plan with this medication.
Possible reactions and tolerability
Occasional reactions might include abdominal discomfort, nausea, or headache. Most symptoms subside as the body becomes accustomed to the medication, provided the dosage remains within the parameters defined by a healthcare professional.
Interactions and health factors
Interactions with antacids or specific medication for cardiac issues may diminish effectiveness. A medical review is advised to ensure no conflict exists with existing health factors, including underlying neurological or gastrointestinal conditions. Product labelling and verified clinical sources remain the correct references for specific contraindications, interactions and reactions.
Further reading
What is chloroquine used for?
Chloroquine is used to prevent and treat malaria. It is a treatment for the malaria parasite and targets its blood-stage form.
How does chloroquine work?
Chloroquine works by interfering with how the malaria parasite digests haemoglobin inside red blood cells, effectively starving it. This slows the infection so the body can manage the remaining parasites more efficiently.
How long does chloroquine take to work?
Chloroquine usually starts to work within 1 to 2 hours.
What are the side effects of chloroquine?
Common side effects include nausea, headache and diarrhoea. Moderate effects can include skin pigmentation, rash or visual disturbance, while serious effects include retinopathy and QT interval prolongation, which need immediate medical attention. Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you notice any reaction.
Can chloroquine be taken with other medicines?
Antacids and some heart medicines may reduce how well it works, so a medical review is advised beforehand. It can also interact with ciclosporin and tamoxifen, so speak to a doctor or pharmacist about your other medicines.
Who should not take chloroquine?
People with retinal damage, hypersensitivity, or pre-existing visual field changes should not take chloroquine. There are contraindications for this medicine.
Which chloroquine products does Yasabai sell?
Products containing chloroquine include Aralen. Compare forms, strengths and packs in the listings above.
What brand names is chloroquine sold under?
Besides the products listed here, chloroquine is sold under brand names such as Avloclor and Nivaquine. Names differ from country to country, so the active ingredient is the surest way to compare.
Can I buy chloroquine over the counter in Thailand?
Yes. In Thailand chloroquine is sold by pharmacists without a prescription, and Yasabai does not ask for one either. We are an online store, not a dispensing pharmacy; we arrange your order and delivery on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Do you deliver chloroquine to Thailand?
Yes. Our pharmacy partners ship from India to Thailand and across Asia in discreet packaging. Standard Airmail takes up to 3 weeks; Express Tracked Courier takes up to 1 week.
How ordering works →Related articles
27 Jul 2026 ⋅ 8 min read
Worms, Flukes and the Things You Catch From Food
Raw-fish liver flukes along the Mekong are not a traveller's-tummy joke. They are an established cause of bile duct cancer and a major public health problem across several countries. What is actually around, what treatment looks like, and why taking a deworming tablet on spec is not the answer.
Read guide