Aralen
Aralen (chloroquine phosphate) is an antimalarial and amebicidal drug. It works by inhibiting the parasitic enzyme heme polymerase, leading to the accumulation of toxic heme within malaria parasites, effectively killing them. It is highly active against the erythrocytic forms of susceptible Plasmodium species.
Dosage by Body Weight
For adult malaria prophylaxis, the typical dose is 500 mg (300 mg base) weekly, starting 1-2 weeks before exposure and continuing for 4 weeks after. For acute malaria treatment, adults typically take 1,000 mg (600 mg base) initially, followed by 500 mg (300 mg base) at 6, 24, and 48 hours. Pediatric dosing is strictly calculated by body weight (10 mg base/kg initial dose, followed by 5 mg base/kg).
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine / 10 mg base/kg
- Frequency
- Initial dose, then 5 mg base/kg at 6, 24, and 48 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Extremely narrow therapeutic index. Dosing must be strictly supervised by a pediatrician using compounded liquid formulations.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 50 mg to 70 mg base
- Frequency
- Initial dose, then 25 mg to 35 mg base at 6, 24, and 48 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Calculated as 10 mg base/kg initially, then 5 mg base/kg. Tablet fragmentation must be highly precise to avoid toxicity.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 80 mg to 100 mg base
- Frequency
- Initial dose, then 40 mg to 50 mg base at 6, 24, and 48 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Calculated as 10 mg base/kg initially, then 5 mg base/kg. Use precise liquid formulation if available.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 110 mg to 150 mg base
- Frequency
- Initial dose, then 55 mg to 75 mg base at 6, 24, and 48 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Calculated as 10 mg base/kg initially, then 5 mg base/kg. Administer with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 160 mg to 200 mg base
- Frequency
- Initial dose, then 80 mg to 100 mg base at 6, 24, and 48 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Calculated as 10 mg base/kg initially, then 5 mg base/kg. Do not exceed adult maximum limits.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine / 10 mg base/kg | Initial dose, then 5 mg base/kg at 6, 24, and 48 hours | Extremely narrow therapeutic index. Dosing must be strictly supervised by a pediatrician using compounded liquid formulations. |
| 5-7 kg | 50 mg to 70 mg base | Initial dose, then 25 mg to 35 mg base at 6, 24, and 48 hours | Calculated as 10 mg base/kg initially, then 5 mg base/kg. Tablet fragmentation must be highly precise to avoid toxicity. |
| 8-10 kg | 80 mg to 100 mg base | Initial dose, then 40 mg to 50 mg base at 6, 24, and 48 hours | Calculated as 10 mg base/kg initially, then 5 mg base/kg. Use precise liquid formulation if available. |
| 11-15 kg | 110 mg to 150 mg base | Initial dose, then 55 mg to 75 mg base at 6, 24, and 48 hours | Calculated as 10 mg base/kg initially, then 5 mg base/kg. Administer with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset. |
| 16-20 kg | 160 mg to 200 mg base | Initial dose, then 80 mg to 100 mg base at 6, 24, and 48 hours | Calculated as 10 mg base/kg initially, then 5 mg base/kg. Do not exceed adult maximum limits. |
Formulation
Purpose
Prophylaxis and treatment of acute attacks of malaria caused by susceptible strains of Plasmodium vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale, and P. falciparum. It is also indicated for the treatment of extraintestinal amebiasis.
Generic Name
Chloroquine phosphateScheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.