Chloroquine
- TRADE NAMES: Aralen (Sanofi-Aventis); Avloclor; Chlorquin; Emquin; Heliopar; Lagaquin; Malarivon
- INDICATIONS: Malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus
- CLASS: Antimalarial, Antiprotozoal, COVID-19 putative drug, Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD)
- HALF-LIFE: 3–5 days
Acitretin, Antacids, Arsenic, Cholera Vaccine, Cholestyramine, Citalopram, Dapsone, Dasatinib, Degarelix, Droperidol, Ethosuximide, Furazolidone, Halofantrine, Hydroxychloroquine, Lacosamide, Lanthanum, Lapatinib, Levofloxacin, Methotrexate, Methoxsalen, Mivacurium, Moxifloxacin, Neostigmine, Nilotinib, Oxcarbazepine, Pazopanib, Penicillamine, Ribociclib, Sulfonamides, Telavancin, Telithromycin, Tiagabine, Typhoid Vaccine, Vandetanib, Vigabatrin, Voriconazole, Vorinostat, Ziprasidone
PREGNANCY CATEGORY: D
Acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis (Sweet's syndrome)
(2009): El Moutaoui L+, Ann Dermatol Venereol 136 (1), 56
Erythema annulare centrifugum
(1982): Koralewski F, Dermatosen (German) 30, 125
(1967): Ashurst PJ, Arch Dermatol 95, 37
Erythroderma
(1990): Simoneaux PW, Curr Concept Skin Dis Winter, 15
(1986): Langtry JA+, Br Med J Clin Res Ed 292, 1107
(1985): Slagel GA+, J Am Acad Dermatol 12, 857
Exanthems <5%
(1991): Ochsendorf FR+, Hautarzt (German) 42, 140
(1990): Simoneaux PW, Curr Concept Skin Dis Winter, 15
(1973): Rees RB+, Arch Dermatol 88, 280 (passim)
Exfoliative dermatitis
(1986): Lavrijsen APM+, Acta Derm Venereol (Stockh) 66, 536
(1985): Slagel GA+, J Am Acad Dermatol 12, 857
(1981): Koranda FC, J Am Acad Dermatol 4(6), 650 [REVIEW] (passim)
(1973): Rees RB+, Arch Dermatol 88, 280 (passim)
Lichenoid eruption
(1990): Simoneaux PW, Curr Concept Skin Dis Winter, 15
(1981): Koranda FC, J Am Acad Dermatol 4, 650 [REVIEW] (passim)
(1979): Krebs A, Hautarzt (German) 30, 281
(1973): Rees RB+, Arch Dermatol 88, 280 (passim)
(1958): Savage J, Br J Dermatol 70, 181
(1948): Alving AS+, J Clin Invest 27, 56
Photosensitivity
(2002): Pages F+, Trop Med Int Health 7(11), 919 (with proguanil)
(1993): Lakartidningen (Swedish) 90, 54
(1992): Seideman P+, Scand J Rheumatol 21(5), 245
(1991): Ochsendorf FR+, Hautarzt (German) 42, 140
(1989): Ortel B+, Dermatologica 178, 39
(1982): van Weelden H, Arch Dermatol 118, 290
(1973): Rees RB+, Arch Dermatol 88, 280 (passim)
(1968): Reed WB+, Arch Dermatol 98, 327
Pigmentation
(2014): Rodriguez-Caruncho C+, Actas Dermosifiliogr 105(3), 243 [REVIEW]
(2009): Gallo CB+, Clin Exp Dermatol 34(7), e266
(2008): Puri PK+, J Cutan Pathol 35(12), 1134 (passim)
(2006): Anders HJ+, Med Klin (Munich) 101(5), 421
(2006): Reynaert S+, J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 20(4), 487
(1998): Guedira N+, Rev Rhum Engl Ed 65, 58 [REVIEW]
(1991): Ochsendorf FR+, Hautarzt (German) 42, 140
(1987): Krebs A, Schweiz Rundsch Med Prax (German) 76, 1069
(1982): Levy H, S Afr Med J 62, 735
(1981): Koranda FC, J Am Acad Dermatol 4, 650 [REVIEW] (passim)
(1980): Bentsi-Enchill KO, Trop Geogr Med 32, 216
(1975): Marriott P+, Proc R Soc Med 68, 535
(1968): Stewart TW+, Acta Derm Venereol 48, 47
(1963): Tuffanelli D+, Arch Dermatol 88, 419
(1959): Dall JLC+, BMJ 1, 1387
Pruritus
(2014): Sagara I+, Malar J 13(1), 458 (with azithromycin)
(2014): Ursing J+, PLoS One 9(1), e86801
(2013): Ballut PC+, Acta Trop 128(3), 50420%
(2009): Gama H+, Gac Sanit 23(4), 30630%
(2009): Nakibuuka V+, Malar J 8, 237
(2004): Ajayi AA+, Int J Dermatol 43(12), 972
(2000): Ademowo OG+, Clin Pharm Ther 67, 237
(1999): Millard TP+, Clin Exp Dermatol 24, 263
(1997): Adebayo RA+, Br J Clin Pharmacol 44, 157
(1997): Sowunmi A+, Trans R Trop Med Hyg 91, 63
(1996): George AO, Int J Dermatol 35, 323
(1995): Osifo NG, Afr J Med Sci 24, 67
(1992): Ogunranti JO+, Eur J Clin Pharmacol 43, 323
(1991): Ajayi AA+, Eur J Clin Pharmacol 41, 383
(1991): Ezeamuzie IC+, J Trop Med Hyg 94, 184
(1991): Mnyika KS, East Afr Med J 68, 139
(1991): Mnyika KS+, J Trop Med Hyg 94, 2747%
(1991): Okor RS, J Clin Pharm Ther 16, 463
(1990): Abdulkadir SA+, Trans Roy Soc Trop Med Hyg 84, 898
(1990): Okor RS, J Clin Pharm Ther 15, 147
(1990): Simoneaux PW, Curr Concept Skin Dis Winter, 15
(1989): Abila B+, J Trop Med Hyg 92, 356
(1989): Burnham G+, Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 83, 527
(1989): Hallwood PM+, Lancet 2, 397
(1989): Osifo NG, Afr J Med Sci 18, 121
(1989): Soro B+, Bull Soc Pathol Exot Filiales (French) 82, 88
(1989): Sowunmi A+, Lancet 2, 213
(1987): Spencer HC+, Ann Trop Med Parasitol 81, 124
(1986): Harries AD+, Ann Trop Med Parasitol 80, 479
(1984): Bhasin V+, J Indian Med Assoc 82, 447
(1984): Caussade P, Arch Fr Pediatr (French) 41, 727
(1984): Osifo NG, Arch Dermatol 120, 80
(1982): Spencer HC+, BMJ 285, 1703
(1977): Olatunde A, Afr J Med Sci 6, 27
(1969): Olatunde IA, J Nigerian Med Assoc 6, 23
(1964): Ekpechi OL+, Arch Dermatol 89, 631
Psoriasis
(2017): Balak DM+, Psoriasis (Auckl) 7, 87 [REVIEW]
(1998): Wilairatana P+, Int J Dermatol 37, 713
(1997): Wilairatana P+, Int J Dermatol 36, 634
(1993): Schopf RE+, Dermatology 187(2), 100
(1992): Vestey JP+, J Infect 24, 211
(1991): Damstra RJ+, Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd (Dutch) 135, 671
(1990): Abdulkadir SA+, Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 84, 898
(1990): Katugampola G+, Int J Dermatol 29, 153
(1990): Okor RS, J Clin Pharm Ther 15, 147
(1989): Mallett R+, BMJ 299, 1400
(1988): Nicolas J-F+, Ann Dermatol Venereol (French) 115, 289
(1987): Friedman SJ, J Am Acad Dermatol 16, 1256
(1985): Stone OJ, Int J Dermatol 24, 539
(1982): Abel EA+, J Am Acad Dermatol 15, 2007
(1982): Luzar MJ, J Rheumatol 9, 462
(1981): Olsen TG, Ann Intern Med 94, 546
(1980): Kuflik EG, Cutis 26, 153
(1966): Baker H, Br J Dermatol 78, 161
(1957): Cornbleet T+, Arch Dermatol 75, 286
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
(2000): Madnani N, Mumbai, India (personal communication / observation)
(1989): Ortel B+, Dermatologica 178, 39
(1987): Lenox-Smith I, J Infect 14(1), 90 (fatal)
(with sulfadoxine and pyrimethamine)
(1986): Bamber MG+, J Infect 13(1), 31 (fatal) (with pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine (Fansidar))
Toxic epidermal necrolysis <1%
(1994): Boffa MJ+, Br J Dermatol 131, 444
(1988): Phillips-Howard PA+, Br Med J Clin Res Ed 296, 1605
(1979): Bazarnaia NS+, Ter Arkh (Russian) 51, 99
(1976): Kanwar AJ+, Indian J Dermatol 21, 73
(1972): Sov Med (Russian) 35, 133
Toxicity
(2015): Al-Bari MA, J Antimicrob Chemother 70(6), 1608
(2008): Cooper RG+, Indian J Med Res 127 (4), 305 [REVIEW]
Urticaria
(2019): Balamurugesan K+, J Family Med Prim Care 8(7), 2545 (1 case)
(2002): Pages F+, Trop Med Int Health 7(11), 919 (with proguanil)
(1990): Simoneaux PW, Curr Concept Skin Dis Winter, 15
(1981): Koranda FC, J Am Acad Dermatol 4(6), 650 [REVIEW] (passim)
(1973): Rees RB+, Arch Dermatol 88, 280 (passim)
Vitiligo
(2003): Martin-Garcia RF+, J Am Acad Dermatol 48(6), 981
(1998): Selvaag E, J R Army Med Corps 144(3), 163
(1997): Selvaag E, Ann Trop Pediatr 17, 45
(1996): Selvaag E, Acta Derm Venereol 76, 166 [REVIEW]
(1996): Selvaag E, Trans R Trop Med Hyg 90, 683
(1992): Gonggryp LA+, Br J Rheumatol 31, 790
(1980): Bentsi-Enchill KO, Trop Geogr Med 32, 216
Hair pigmentation <1%
(2010): Donovan JC+, N Engl J Med 363(4), 372
(2009): Di Giacomo TB+, Lupus 18(3), 264
(1997): Asch PH+, Ann Dermatol Venereol (French) 124, 552
(1992): Bublin JG+, J Clin Pharm Ther 17, 297 [REVIEW]
(1991): Ochsendorf FR+, Hautarzt (German) 42, 140
(1981): Koranda FC, J Am Acad Dermatol 4, 650 [REVIEW] (passim)
(1978): Dubois EL, Semin Arthritis Rheum 8, 33 [REVIEW]
(1976): Sams WM, Int J Dermatol 15, 99 [REVIEW]
(1973): Rees RB+, Arch Dermatol 88, 280 (passim)
(1965): Rook A, Br J Dermatol 77, 115
Poliosis
(1985): Dupre A+, Arch Dermatol 121, 1164
(1968): Pasykowa K+, Pol Tyg Lek (Polish) 23, 2014
(1966): Fraga S+, An Bras Dermatol (Portuguese) 41, 57
Nail pigmentation
(1981): Koranda FC, J Am Acad Dermatol 4, 650 [REVIEW] (passim)
(1963): Tuffanelli D+, Arch Dermatol 88, 419
Mucosal membrane pigmentation
(2011): Moraes PC+, Minerva Stomatol 60(6), 327 (in the lower lip)
(2005): Fardet L+, Ann Dermatol Venereol 132(8-9 Pt 1), 665 [REVIEW]
Oral pigmentation
(2017): de Andrade BA+, J Clin Exp Dent 9(12), e1487
(2013): de Andrade BA+, J Cutan Pathol 40(9), 833 (5 cases)
(2012): Brasil Cda M+, Gen Dent 60(2), e74 (hard palate)
(2012): de Melo Filho MR+, Head Neck Pathol 6(1), 48
(2011): Moraes PC+, Minerva Stomatol 60(6), 327
(2009): Gallo CB+, Clin Exp Dermatol 34(7), e266
(1992): Veraldi S+, Cutis 49, 281
(1991): Zic JA+, Arch Dermatol 127, 1037
(1990): Wollina U+, Dtsch Z Mund Kiefer Gesichtschir (German) 14, 104
(1981): Koranda FC, J Am Acad Dermatol 4, 650 [REVIEW] (passim)
(1980): Bentsi-Enchill KO, Trop Geogr Med 32, 216
(1971): Giansanti JS+, Oral Surg 31, 66
(1970): Brynolf I, Sven Tandlak Tidskr (Swedish) 63, 585
Atrioventricular block
(2014): Lopez-Ruiz N+, BMJ Case Rep Sep, Epub
(2008): Puymirat E+, Rev Med Interne (French) 29(9), 741
Cardiac failure
(2018): Yogasundaram H+, ESC Heart Fail Feb, Epub ahead of print (reversible)
(2009): Fragasso G+, Heart Vessels 24(5), 385
(1999): Baguet JP+, Heart 81(2), 221 [REVIEW]
Cardiomyopathy
(2018): Yogasundaram H+, ESC Heart Fail Feb, Epub ahead of print
(2014): Lopez-Ruiz N+, BMJ Case Rep Sep, Epub
(2012): Azimian M+, J Clin Rheumatol 18(7), 363 (fatal / 2 cases)
(2012): Tonnesmann E+, J Rheumatol 39(5), 1099
(2007): Hernandez Jimenez V+, Med Clin (Barc) (Spanish) 129(4), 157
(2005): Naqvi TZ+, J Am Soc Echocardiogr 18(4), 383
(1999): Baguet JP+, Heart 81(2), 221 [REVIEW]
(1993): Iglesias Cubero G+, Br Heart J 69(5), 451
(1987): McAllister HA Jr+, Arch Pathol Lab Med 111(10), 953
Cardiotoxicity
(2011): Gentille Lorente DI, Rev Med Chil (Spanish) 139(10), 1384
(2009): Fragasso G+, Heart Vessels 24(5), 385
(2009): Saussine A+, Ann Dermatol Venereol (French) 136(6-7), 530
Congestive heart failure
(2005): Naqvi TZ+, J Am Soc Echocardiogr 18(4), 383
(1993): Iglesias Cubero G+, Br Heart J 69(5), 451
Myocardial toxicity
(2006): Mata Martin AM+, Rev Clin Esp 206(2), 111
(2001): Cervera A+, Ann Rheum Dis 60(3), 301
QT prolongation
(2015): Isbister GK, Aust Prescr 38(1), 20
(2008): Stas P+, Int J Cardiol 127 (2), e80
(2004): Abriel H+, Swiss Med Wkly 134(47-48), 685 [REVIEW]
Torsades de pointes
(2015): Isbister GK, Aust Prescr 38(1), 20
(2006): Chen CY+, Clin Toxicol (Phila) 44(2), 173
Headache
(2014): Sagara I+, Malar J 13(1), 458 (with azithromycin)
(2011): Paton NI+, Lancet Infect Dis 11(9), 677
(2011): Poravuth Y+, PLoS One 6(1), e1450115%
(2002): Albright TA+, J Travel Med 9(6), 289
Psychosis
(2014): Biswas PS+, Gen Hosp Psychiatry 36(2), 181
(2010): Jousset N+, Am J Forensic Med Pathol 31(4), 378 (with mefloquine / suicide)
(2007): Sahoo S+, Am J Ther 14(4), 406
(1992): Gupte S, Ann Trop Paediatr 12(2), 229
Seizures
(2004): Tristano AG+, Rheumatol Int 24(5), 315
(2003): Reuther LO+, Ugeskr Laeger 165(14), 1447 [REVIEW]
Vertigo (dizziness)
(2014): Sagara I+, Malar J 13(1), 458 (with azithromycin)
(2011): Paton NI+, Lancet Infect Dis 11(9), 677
(2011): Poravuth Y+, PLoS One 6(1), e145013%
(2007): Bortoli R+, Clin Rheumatol 26 (11), 1809
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) increased
(2007): Rossmann-Ringdahl I+, Acta Derm Venereol 87(5), 401
Porphyria
(1980): Gerwel M, Pol Tyg Lek (Polish) 35, 1351
(1974): Kordac V+, Br J Dermatol 90, 95
(1973): Knutsson F+, Lakartidningen (Swedish) 70, 1547
(1962): Cripps DL+, Arch Dermatol 86, 575
(1959): Marsden CW, Br J Dermatol 71, 219
(1957): Davis MJ+, Arch Dermatol 75, 796
(1954): Linden IH+, Calif Med 81, 235
Diarrhea
(2014): Rodriguez-Caruncho C+, Actas Dermosifiliogr 105(3), 243 [REVIEW]
(2011): Paton NI+, Lancet Infect Dis 11(9), 677
Nausea
(2014): Rodriguez-Caruncho C+, Actas Dermosifiliogr 105(3), 243 [REVIEW]
(2011): Paton NI+, Lancet Infect Dis 11(9), 677
(2002): Albright TA+, J Travel Med 9(6), 289
Vomiting
(2014): Rodriguez-Caruncho C+, Actas Dermosifiliogr 105(3), 243 [REVIEW]
(2014): Sagara I+, Malar J 13(1), 458 (with azithromycin)
(2011): Poravuth Y+, PLoS One 6(1), e145013%
(2010): Tricou V+, PLoS Negl Trop Dis 4(8), e785
(2009): Nakibuuka V+, Malar J 8, 237
Myalgia/Myositis/Myopathy/Myotoxicity
(2011): Poravuth Y+, PLoS One 6(1), e145019%
(2011): Posada C+, Lupus 20(7), 773
(2007): Mateen FJ+, Can J Neurol Sci 34(3), 377
(2005): Haberl A+, Z Rheumatol 64(4), 274
(1998): Guedira N+, Rev Rhum Engl Ed 65, 58 [REVIEW]
(1971): Br Med J 2(5762), 605
(1971): Hughes JT+, Q J Med 40(157), 85
(1969): Chapman RS+, Br J Dermatol 81(anal), 217
Myasthenia gravis
(2008): Ritenour RJ+, Can J Ophthalmol 43(2), 241
(1999): Klimek A, Neurol Neurochir Pol 33(4), 951
(1996): Bruggemann W+, Med Klin (Munich) 91(5), 268 (1 case)
(1991): De Bleecker J+, Acta Clin Belg 46(6), 401
(1989): Robberecht W+, Arch Neurol 46(4), 464 [REVIEW]
(1988): Sghirlanzoni A+, Muscle Nerve 11(2), 114
(1981): Schumm F+, Dtsch Med Wochenschr, 1745
Corneal deposits
(2014): Rodriguez-Caruncho C+, Actas Dermosifiliogr 105(3), 243 [REVIEW]<90%
(2007): Leecharoen S+, J Med Assoc Thai 90(1), 52
Maculopathy
(2014): Bursztyn LL+, Retin Cases Brief Rep 8(4), 322
(2005): Inada ET+, Arq Bras Oftalmol 68(3), 407
(1985): Taylor F, Aust Fam Physician 14(8), 744
Ocular adverse effect
(2010): Lacava AC, Arq Bras Oftalmol (Portuguese) 73(4), 384
(2007): Leecharoen S+, J Med Assoc Thai 90(1), 5235%
Ocular toxicity
(2011): Gentille Lorente DI, Rev Med Chil (Spanish) 139(10), 1384
(2007): Bortoli R+, Clin Rheumatol 26 (11), 1809
(2005): Inada ET+, Arq Bras Oftalmol 68(3), 407
(2002): Grana Gil+, An Med Interna 19(4), 189
Retinopathy
(2016): Bourgeois N+, Therapie (French) 71(4), 365
(2015): Costedoat-Chalumeau N+, Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 49 3), 317 [REVIEW]
(2014): Machado-Alba JE+, Rev Panam Salud Publica 36(6), 39641%
(2014): Rodriguez-Caruncho C+, Actas Dermosifiliogr 105(3), 243 [REVIEW]
(2007): Ferreras A+, Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol 82(2), 103
(2007): Leecharoen S+, J Med Assoc Thai 90(1), 52
(2006): Ingster-Moati I+, J Fr Ophtalmol (French) 29(6), 642
(2006): Kellner U+, Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 47(8), 3531
(2005): Fardet L+, Ann Dermatol Venereol 132(8-9 Pt 1), 665 [REVIEW]
(2004): Araiza-Casillas R+, Lupus 13(2), 119
Adverse effects
(2020): Patil VM+, Life Sci May, Online ahead of print [REVIEW]
(2014): Chopra A+, Arthritis Rheumatol 66(2), 319 (mild)
(2014): Machado-Alba JE+, Rev Panam Salud Publica 36(6), 396
Death
(2012): Azimian M+, J Clin Rheumatol 18(7), 363 (2 cases)
(1987): Lenox-Smith I, J Infect 14(1), 90
(1986): Bamber MG+, J Infect 13(1), 31 (with pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine (Fansidar))
Adverse reactions attributed to entire drug class Antimalarial
Hypersensitivity
(2011): Singalavanija S+, J Med Assoc Thai 94 Suppl 3, S852%
Pigmentation
(2016): Krause W, G Ital Dermatol Venereol 151(6), 694 [REVIEW]
(2013): Janier M, Ann Dermatol Venereol (French) 140 Suppl 3, s237
(2013): Krause W, J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 11(7), 644 [REVIEW]
QT prolongation
(2010): Bril F+, Curr Drug Saf 5 (1), 85
Ocular toxicity
(2014): Schneider C+, Travel Med Infect Dis 12(1), 40
(2013): Audo I, Rev Prat (French) 63(1), 63 [REVIEW]
Adverse reactions attributed to entire drug class COVID-19 putative drug
Cutaneous adverse reaction
(2020): Tursen U+, Dermatol Ther May, Epub ahead of print [REVIEW]
Cardiovascular adverse effect
(2020): Naksuk N+, Eur Heart J Acute Cardiovasc Care May, Epub ahead of print [REVIEW]
(2020): Sarayani A+, Res Social Adm Pharm Apr, Epub ahead of print [REVIEW]
Gastrointestinal disorder
(2020): Sun J+, Clin Pharmacol Ther Apr, Epub ahead of print23%
Hepatic disorder
(2020): Sun J+, Clin Pharmacol Ther Apr, Epub ahead of print14%
Thrombocytopenia
(2020): Nham E+, Infect Chemother Apr, Epub ahead of print
Adverse effects
(2020): Patil VM+, Life Sci May, Epub ahead of print [REVIEW]
(2020): Sun J+, Clin Pharmacol Ther Apr, Epub ahead of print38%
(2020): Svensson M, Lakartidningen (Swedish) Apr, 117
(2020): Wen CY+, Zhonghua Nei Ke Za Zhi (Chinese) May, Epub ahead of print
(2020): Zhong H+, Pharmacol Res Apr, Epub ahead of print [REVIEW]
Page last updated 05/26/2020
Symbol key
Incidence 
- <1%
- 1-5%
- 5-10%
- 10-15%
- 15-20%
- 20-30%
- >30%
Seriousness
- Hospitalization possible
- Life threatening
- Fatal
Warnings in other populations
- Breast feeding
- Geriatric
- Pediatric
