Aralen

Instructions

You should read the product information leaflet before using this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication should be taken by mouth as instructed by your doctor. Do not crush or chew the drug because it may diminish its effects. This medication should be taken with a full glass of water unless your doctor tells you otherwise. You should swallow the drug whole.

Your dosage is based on your medical condition and the way you will respond to treatment. Take this drug regularly to experience the most benefits. You should also take this drug at the same time each day.

To prevent malaria, take chloroquine once a week on the same day each week, or as instructed by your doctor. Start this medication about 1 to 2 weeks before you enter the malarious area and continue to take it weekly while in the area, and weekly for 4 to 8 weeks after leaving the area, or as instructed by your doctor.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. Continue to use it as prescribed by your doctor or as stated on the package label.

Interactions

Aralen may interact with medications such as:

• Agalsidase
• Mefloquine
• Penicillamine
• Sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine
• Products that may harm the liver (such as acetaminophen, isoniazid, alcohol)
• Cyclosporine
• Praziquantel
• Amiodarone
• Dofetilide
• Mefloquine
• Pimozide
• Procainamide
• Quinidine
• Sotalol
• Macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin)
• Cimetidine
• Ampicillin
• Rabies vaccine (HDCV)

Side Effects

There are no side effects known aside from a possible allergic reaction in people who have previous or unknown hypersensitivity to the drug.

Watch out for signs of allergic reactions such as:

• Rash
• Itching
• Swelling

Warnings

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have the following:

• Allergy to chloroquineor to hydroxychloroquine
• A certain enzyme problem (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency-G6PD)
• Vision/eye problems
• Hearing problems
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Regular alcohol use/abuse
• Psoriasis
• A certain blood disorder (porphyria)
• Seizures
• Photosensitivity
• Certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG)
• Family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death)
• Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood
• Severe sweating
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Pregnancy or lactation