First-lineAvloclor
Chloroquine
4-aminoquinoline antimalarial
Safe in pregnancy for prophylaxis & treatment in chloroquine-sensitive zones.
Oral
First-line for
- Malaria prophylaxis in pregnancy (sensitive areas)
- Uncomplicated P. vivax / P. ovale malaria
Mechanism
Accumulates in plasmodial food vacuole → inhibits haem polymerisation → toxic free haem kills parasite.
“CQ-sensitive zones only”
- Resistant P. falciparum → use quinine + clindamycin or artemether-lumefantrine
- Add primaquine ONLY after delivery (haemolysis)
Dosing
- Prophylaxis
- 310 mg base PO weekly, start 1–2 wk before travel through 4 wk after
- Treatment
- 600 mg base PO, then 300 mg at 6, 24, 48 h
Contraindications
- AbsoluteChloroquine-resistant areas
- CautionRetinopathy, G6PD, long QT, psoriasis
Side effects
- GI upset
- Pruritus (esp. dark skin)
- Retinopathy (long-term)
- QT prolongation
Fetal & maternal notes
- • Safe T1–T3 at antimalarial doses
- • Compatible with breastfeeding
Key interactions
QT-prolonging drugs
AvoidTorsades
Antacids
Caution↓ absorption
Cyclosporin
Caution↑ levels
Clinical pearls
- 💡 Defer primaquine for relapse prevention until after delivery + G6PD check
- 💡 Annual ophthalmology if used long-term
Content last reviewed: REPLACE_ME (e.g. 2026-07)
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