Overview
Avloclor (Chloroquine) 250mg Tablets is a medication that contains the active ingredient chloroquine phosphate. Chloroquine phosphate is an “anti-malarial”.
This medicine can be used to gain protection against malaria in certain countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What other precautions should I take Avloclor (Chloroquine) 250mg Tablets?
Whilst taking Avloclor (Chloroquine) 250mg Tablets, you should take other precautions to reduce the chances of being bitten by mosquitos, such as:
- Wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing and long trousers when outside after sunset.
- Use insect repellents on parts of your body unprotected by clothing.
- Sleep under a mosquito net.
Can Avloclor (Chloroquine) 250mg Tablets prevent malaria?
Avloclor (Chloroquine) 250mg Tablets are used for the prevention of malaria in certain countries, however no medicine can be guaranteed to protect against malaria in every case.
Malaria prevention medicines are recommended for people travelling to countries where malaria occurs and people living in malaria areas who are not immune to it.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is suitable for the part of the world that you are visiting as in some countries you may have to take another medicine alongside Avloclor (Chloroquine) 250 mg Tablets for maximum protection.
What do I need to know before taking Avloclor (Chloroquine) 250mg Tablets?
Avloclor (Chloroquine) 250mg Tablets shouldn’t be taken if you are allergic to chloroquine phosphate or any of the other ingredients present in this medicine. This medicine also shouldn’t be taken if you are taking amiodarone, which is a medicine used to control heart rate.
To learn more about the risk factors and warning of this medicine, be sure to read the patient information leaflet or ask your doctor or pharmacist.
What if I take more Avloclor (Chloroquine) 250mg Tablets than I should?
If you’ve taken more tablets than you are meant to, let a doctor know straight away. You may experience heart problems and uneven heartbeats.
Can I take Avloclor (Chloroquine) 250mg Tablets if I’m pregnant or breast-feeding?
If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant or plan on having a baby, talk to a doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine or any other medicine used to prevent malaria.
Can I drive or use machinery whilst taking Avloclor (Chloroquine) 250mg Tablets?
It’s possible that Avloclor (Chloroquine) 250mg Tablets can cause blurred eyesight or make it difficult to focus your eyes. If this happens to you then you shouldn’t drive or use any dangerous tools or machinery.
Can children take Avloclor (Chloroquine) 250mg Tablets?
Avloclor (Chloroquine) 250mg Tablets should not be given to children under 1 year of age. For the children over the age of 1, the dose depends on the child’s age range:
- Ages 1 – 4, it is recommended to take half a tablet once a week on the same day each week.
- Ages 5 – 8, it is recommended to take one tablet once a week on the same day each week.
- Ages 9 –14, it is recommended to take one and a half tablets once a week on the same day each week.
Can I buy Avloclor (Chloroquine) 250mg Tablets online?
Avloclor (Chloroquine) 250mg Tablets can be bought online from registered pharmacies like e-Surgery. Make sure that the online pharmacy you’re ordering medicine from is registered and operating legally by looking for the green GPhC logo on the website or using the GPhC website to look up the pharmacy in question.
Where can I find more information about Avloclor (Chloroquine) 250mg Tablets?
You can get in contact with one of our pharmacists via our free Ask-a-Pharmacist service for professional medical advice regarding Avloclor (Chloroquine) 250mg Tablets. You can also use reputable online sources like the BNF website.
Can Avloclor (Chloroquine) 250mg Tablets be taken with other medications?
It’s important to inform your doctor or pharmacist about any other medications you’re taking before starting Avloclor (Chloroquine) 250mg Tablets.
This medication may interact with certain drugs, such as amiodrone, antacids, cimetidine, and digoxin. Your healthcare provider can advise you on potential interactions and adjust your dosage if necessary.
How should I store Avloclor (Chloroquine) 250mg Tablets?
Proper storage is important for maintaining the effectiveness of Avloclor (Chloroquine) 250mg Tablets. Keep the tablets below 30°c, away from moisture and heat. Store them in the original packaging until you’re ready to use them. Consult the patient information leaflet or your pharmacist for specific storage guidelines.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Avloclor (Chloroquine) 250mg Tablets?
If you miss a dose of Avloclor (Chloroquine) 250mg Tablets, take it as soon as you remember. Wait 7 days before taking the next dose and carry on taking the tablets each week on this new day of week.
Can Avloclor (Chloroquine) 250mg Tablets cause any vision problems?
Yes, vision problems are a potential side effect of Avloclor (Chloroquine) 250mg Tablets. This medication can cause blurred vision, difficulty focusing, and changes in color vision. If you experience any vision disturbances while taking this medication, notify your doctor and avoid activities that require clear vision, such as driving.
How long does it take for Avloclor (Chloroquine) 250mg Tablets to become effective?
Avloclor (Chloroquine) 250mg Tablets are typically taken one week before traveling to a malaria-risk area. The medication needs time to build up in your system to provide effective protection against malaria.
It’s crucial to follow the dosing instructions provided by your healthcare provider to ensure optimal prevention.
Can Avloclor (Chloroquine) 250mg Tablets cause any skin reactions?
Yes, skin rashes and hair loss are possible side effects of Avloclor (Chloroquine) 250mg Tablets.
These skin-related side effects are usually mild and temporary, but in some cases, they can be more severe. If you experience any concerning skin reactions or hair changes, promptly inform your doctor for proper evaluation and management.
Is it safe to take Avloclor (Chloroquine) 250mg Tablets for an extended period?
The long-term use of Avloclor (Chloroquine) 250mg Tablets may increase the risk of certain side effects, such as eye damage.
It’s essential to discuss the duration of treatment with your doctor and have regular eye examinations and blood tests to monitor for any potential adverse effects. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate treatment course based on your individual circumstances.
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Directions
You should take Avloclor (Chloroquine) 250mg Tablets however your doctor or pharmacist has instructed. If you are unsure on the details, check with them first before use.
You should start taking this medicine one week before you arrive in a malaria risk area. Continue to take the tablets throughout your entire stay. After leaving the malaria risk area and arriving home, you must keep taking this medicine for a further 4 weeks.
For adults and children over 14 years of age, take two Avloclor (Chloroquine) 250mg Tablets once a week on the same day each week. If you are an elderly person, you may be recommended blood tests and a different dose.
It’s recommended to take the tablets after eating food, and with a whole drink of water.
Side Effects
This medicine can cause side effects, like all medicines. However, not everyone will get them. Some side effects include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Involuntary muscle spasms
- Insomnia
- Skin rash
- Hair loss
- Changes in hair colour
If you experience any serious side effects like fits or allergic reactions, then you should stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately. Talk to your doctor before using this medicine to learn of the various risk factors or check the patient information leaflet for a full list of side effects.
How it works
Avloclor contains chloroquine phosphate, an antimalarial medication that combats malaria by interfering with the parasite’s ability to detoxify heme, a toxic byproduct of hemoglobin digestion. Malaria parasites digest hemoglobin within red blood cells, releasing heme, which is toxic to them. Chloroquine accumulates in the parasite’s acidic food vacuole and inhibits the polymerization of heme into hemozoin, a non-toxic substance.
Delivery
At e-Surgery, we use Royal Mail for our deliveries. The delivery options are Royal Mail Tracked 24, Royal Mail Tracked 48 and Royal Mail Special Delivery by 1pm. All packaging from e-Surgery is fully recyclable and discreet.
Ingredients
The active substance in Avloclor Tablets is chloroquine phosphate. Each tablet contains 250 mg of chloroquine phosphate (equivalent to 155 mg of chloroquine base). The other ingredients are magnesium stearate (E572) and maize starch.
Warnings
You should not take Avloclor if:
- You are allergic to chloroquine phosphate or any of the other ingredients of Avloclor
- You are taking a medicine called amiodarone (used to control the heart rate). Avloclor may increase the risk of uneven heart beats (cardiac arrhythmias) when it is taken at the same time as amiodarone. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking your medication if:
- You have ever had epilepsy, convulsions or fits.
- You have ever had problems with your liver or kidneys.
- You have ever been told that you have a rare disease of the blood pigment called ‘porphyria’ or anyone in your family has it. This is because Avloclor may cause severe symptoms of porphyria, particularly if you drink alcohol.
- You have a scaly condition of the skin called psoriasis.
- You have a muscle problem called ‘myasthenia gravis’. Avloclor can increase the symptoms of this condition. It can also reduce the effect of medicines used to treat this condition (neostigmine and pyridostigmine).
- You have a blood problem called ‘glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency’. Avloclor may damage blood cells in people with this blood condition.