AntimalarialPrescription only
Chloroquine
Tablet
Quick Summary
Chloroquine kills the blood stage of malaria parasites. For vivax malaria, primaquine is added to prevent relapse.
Vivax malaria
Some other uses
Medical Uses
Vivax malaria: With primaquine.
Some other uses: Under medical advice.
How it's taken
Take after food as prescribed for the full course.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you and how long to take it.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you. Follow their instructions and the label.
Common Side Effects
Nausea
And stomach upset.
Itching
Common in some people.
Headache
Sometimes.
Interactions
Antacids
Separate doses.
Heart rhythm medicines
Risk of rhythm problems.
Critical Warnings
Overdose
Black Box Warning: Dangerous, especially for children. Store safely.
Vision changes
With long-term use.
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Chloroquine: drug information(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine