Chloroquine is an antiparasitic medication that treats malaria. It works by increasing the levels of heme in the blood, a substance toxic to the malarial parasite.
Facts
Drug Class4-aminoquinoline antimalarial 1 Mechanism of ActionConcentrates in the malaria parasite acidic food vacuole and prevents biocrystallization of toxic heme, causing a toxic complex that disrupts membrane function. 1 Approved Use First Approved / Isolated Year Significant RiskMuscle problems, loss of appetite, diarrhea and skin rash; serious effects include vision problems, muscle damage, seizures and low blood cell counts. 1 Classification
Approval Status ATC ClassSourced to the subject's own accountJ: Antiinfectives for Systemic Use 2 Route of Administration WHO Essential MedicineSourced to the subject's own account FAQs
Who discovered chloroquine, and when did it enter clinical use?
Discovered in 1934 by Hans Andersag; in clinical practice from 1947.
Chloroquine was discovered in 1934 by Hans Andersag. It was introduced into clinical practice in 1947 for the prophylactic treatment of malaria.
Can chloroquine damage eyesight, and is it recommended for COVID-19?
It can cause irreversible retinal damage, and the NIH does not recommend it for COVID-19.
Chloroquine retinopathy (irreversible retinal damage) is listed among serious side effects, and accumulation of the drug may result in deposits that can lead to blurred vision and blindness. Regarding COVID-19, the NIH does not recommend its use for this purpose. This record describes what the sources state and is not medical advice.
Connections
Treats
Source Chloroquine (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Chloroquine (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationLead section
an antiparasitic medication that treats malaria
Infobox, drug class
4-aminoquinoline
Mechanism of action section
prevents the biocrystallization of toxic heme
History section
Discovered in 1934 by Hans Andersag; introduced into clinical practice in 1947
Adverse effects section
Common side effects include muscle problems, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and skin rash
Lead section, route-of-administration statement
It is taken by mouth.
- Regulatory approval status
View the Source 2. Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System (Wikipedia)
WikipediaFirst-level anatomical group codes, Code JQuote, First-level anatomical group codes, Code J
Antiinfectives for systemic use
3. WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (Wikipedia)
WikipediaWHO Model List of Essential Medicines, Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) sectionQuote, WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) section
Chloroquine
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