What is a Generic Drug?

A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.

Aralen (Chloroquine Phosphate)

Also Known as Avloclor, Emquin DS

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Generic Equivalent - Aralen (Chloroquine Phosphate)

Prescription Required

Strength
Qty
250mg
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  • Product Details

    Description

    Aralen® (chloroquine phosphate) is an antimalarial and amebicidal medication used for the treatment and prophylaxis of malaria caused by susceptible strains of Plasmodium species, including P. falciparum, P. malariae, P. ovale, and P. vivax. It is also indicated for the treatment of extraintestinal amebiasis.

    Fact Table

    Formula

    C18H26ClN3·H3PO4

    License

    US FDA

    Bioavailability

    89% (oral)

    Legal status

    Rx-only

    Chemical Name

    Chloroquine phosphate

    Elimination half-life

    1–2 months

    Dosage (Strength)

    250 mg, 500 mg tablets (equivalent to 155 mg and 310 mg base)

    Pregnancy

    Consult a doctor – generally considered safe for malaria in pregnancy

    Brands

    Aralen, Chloroquine Phosphate

    Protein binding

    55%

    PubChem CID

    2719

    MedlinePlus

    a682318

    ChEBI

    3632

    ATC code

    P01BA01

    DrugBank

    DB00608

    KEGG

    D07610

    Routes of administration

    Oral

    Directions

    • Malaria Prophylaxis:
    • Adults: 500 mg (300 mg base) taken orally once a week on the same day each week, starting 1 to 2 weeks before entering a malaria-endemic area and continuing for 4 weeks after leaving the area.
    • Children: The weekly suppressive dosage is 5 mg/kg (calculated as base), not exceeding the adult dose, starting 1 to 2 weeks before exposure and continuing for 4 weeks after departure from the endemic area.
    • Treatment of Acute Malaria Attacks:
    • Adults: An initial dose of 1,000 mg (600 mg base), followed by 500 mg (300 mg base) after 6 to 8 hours, then 500 mg (300 mg base) once daily for the next two days.
    • Children: The dosage is based on body weight: 10 mg/kg (base) initially, followed by 5 mg/kg (base) at 6, 24, and 36 hours after the initial dose, not exceeding the adult dosage.
    • Extraintestinal Amebiasis:
    • Adults: 1,000 mg (600 mg base) daily for two days, followed by 500 mg (300 mg base) daily for at least two to three weeks, in combination with an effective intestinal amebicide.

    Ingredients

    • Active Ingredient: Chloroquine phosphate.
    • Inactive Ingredients: May include colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and others.

    Contraindications

    Aralen is contraindicated in patients with:

    • Known hypersensitivity to 4-aminoquinoline compounds.
    • Presence of retinal or visual field changes attributable to 4-aminoquinoline compounds or any other etiology.

    Cautions

    • Retinal Toxicity: Prolonged use may lead to irreversible retinal damage. Regular ophthalmologic examinations are recommended during therapy.
    • Cardiac Effects: Chloroquine can cause cardiomyopathy and QT interval prolongation, potentially leading to fatal arrhythmias. Use with caution in patients with cardiac disease or those taking other QT-prolonging agents.
    • Hypoglycemia: Severe hypoglycemia, including loss of consciousness, has been reported. Patients should be advised of the risks and monitored accordingly.
    • Hepatic Impairment: Since chloroquine concentrates in the liver, caution is advised in patients with hepatic disease or alcoholism.
    • Neuromuscular Effects: May cause muscle weakness; regular monitoring of muscle strength is recommended during prolonged therapy.

    Side Effects

    Common adverse reactions may include:

    • Gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea).
    • Headache.
    • Pruritus (itching).
    • Visual disturbances.

    Serious side effects requiring immediate medical attention include:

    • Severe hypoglycemia.
    • Cardiac arrhythmias.
    • Irreversible retinal damage.
    • Severe muscle weakness.

    IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.

    Product Code : 11424

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