Cerona 1mg Tablet (Chloroquine): Complete Medicine Guide
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Blurred vision or visual disturbances
- Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
- Severe dizziness or fainting
- Yellowing of skin or eyes
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Severe abdominal pain
- Shortness of breath or chest pain
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is cerona 1mg tablet used for?
This medicine contains chloroquine, used to treat and prevent malaria and to manage autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. It works by killing malaria parasites and reducing inflammation. Take it exactly as prescribed and attend regular eye check-ups.
- Generic Name: Chloroquine
- Manufacturer: Ceras Pharmaceutical
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 cerona 1mg tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा क्लोरोक्वीन नामक तत्व से बनी है, जिसका उपयोग मलेरिया के इलाज और रोकथाम के लिए किया जाता है। यह रूमेटॉयड आर्थराइटिस और ल्यूपस जैसी ऑटोइम्यून बीमारियों में भी प्रभावी है। यह मलेरिया परजीवी को मारती है और सूजन को कम करती है।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: आम दुष्प्रभावों में मतली, उल्टी, पेट दर्द, सिरदर्द, चक्कर आना और धुंधली दृष्टि शामिल हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं, लेकिन लंबे समय तक उपयोग से आंखों की समस्या हो सकती है। नियमित नेत्र परीक्षण कराएं।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के निर्देशानुसार ही लें। खुराक न बढ़ाएं। लंबे समय तक सेवन करने पर नियमित आंखों की जांच कराएं। गर्भवती महिलाएं और स्तनपान कराने वाली माताएं डॉक्टर से सलाह लें। शराब का सेवन न करें।
💊 cerona 1mg tablet Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Malaria (treatment)","description":"Used for treating uncomplicated malaria caused by chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium vivax, ovale, malariae, and in some regions, falciparum.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Malaria (prophylaxis)","description":"Used for prevention of malaria in travellers to areas where chloroquine-sensitive malaria is prevalent.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Rheumatoid arthritis","description":"Used as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug to reduce pain and inflammation" class="semantic-link" title="Medicines for swelling">swelling in mild to moderate rheumatoid arthritis.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Systemic lupus erythematosus","description":"Used to manage skin and joint manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Discoid lupus erythematosus","description":"Used for treating chronic discoid lupus erythematosus skin lesions.","evidence":"Well-established"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Porphyria cutanea tarda","description":"Sometimes used off-label to reduce skin blistering and liver enzyme abnormalities.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Sarcoidosis","description":"Occasionally used off-label for skin and joint symptoms of sarcoidosis.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Malaria
Also treats: Rheumatoid arthritis, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Discoid lupus erythematosus
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Chloroquine |
| Brand Name | Amloquin DS 250mg Tablet |
| Manufacturer | Ceras Pharmaceutical |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | OPHTHAL |
| Action Class | Antimalarial- Aminoquinolines |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature (15-30°C) in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep in the original container. |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from the date of manufacture. |
| WHO Guideline | WHO recommends chloroquine for treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium species. It is no longer recommended for Plasmodium falciparum in many regions due to resistance. |
| ICMR Guideline | ICMR guidelines recommend chloroquine for treatment of uncomplicated malaria due to P. vivax and for prophylaxis in specific situations. It is not recommended for P. falciparum in India due to widespread resistance. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
Chloroquine accumulates in the acidic food vacuole of susceptible malaria parasites, where it inhibits haem polymerase, preventing the conversion of toxic haem to inert haemozoin. This leads to accumulation of toxic haem and parasite death. In autoimmune diseases, chloroquine modulates immune responses by inhibiting antigen presentation, reducing cytokine production, and stabilizing lysosomal membranes.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take cerona 1mg tablet
Strength: 1 mg immediate-release tablet
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The dosage of this medicine varies depending on the indication. For malaria treatment, a common regimen is an initial dose followed by additional doses over 2-3 days. For malaria prophylaxis, it is typically taken once weekly starting 1-2 weeks before travel and continuing for 4 weeks after leaving the endemic area. For autoimmune conditions, the dose is usually lower and taken daily. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients may be more susceptible to side effects, especially ocular and cardiac toxicity. Dose should be individualized by a clinician, and regular monitoring is advised. |
| Renal Impairment | In renal impairment, dose reduction may be necessary. Consult a clinician for individualized dosing. |
| Hepatic Impairment | In hepatic impairment, dose reduction may be necessary. Consult a clinician for individualized dosing. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | Not established from the available information. Dosing must be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of cerona 1mg tablet
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Amiodarone | Major | |
| Mefloquine | Major | |
| Insulin | Major | |
| Antacids | Moderate | |
| Cimetidine | Moderate | |
| Methotrexate | Moderate | |
| Cyclosporine | Moderate | |
| Paracetamol | Minor | |
| Ibuprofen | Minor | |
| Grapefruit | Moderate |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Amiodarone
- Mefloquine
- Insulin
- Antacids
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Cimetidine
- Methotrexate
- Cyclosporine
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol may increase the risk of liver toxicity and worsen side effects such as dizziness and nausea. It is advisable to avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Hypersensitivity to chloroquine or any component of the formulation","Pre-existing retinopathy or visual field changes","Known QT prolongation or risk factors for arrhythmias","Severe liver disease","Severe renal impairment (dose adjustment required)","Porphyria","Epilepsy (may increase seizure risk)"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["Perform baseline and periodic ophthalmologic examinations to detect early retinopathy.","Use with caution in patients with hepatic or renal impairment; dose adjustment may be needed.","May cause hypoglycemia; monitor blood glucose in diabetic patients.","May exacerbate psoriasis and porphyria.","Avoid in patients with known QT prolongation or those taking other QT-prolonging drugs.","Do not use for long-term treatment without regular monitoring.","Safety and efficacy in children for autoimmune conditions are not established."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
Chloroquine passes into breast milk in small amounts. It is generally considered safe during breastfeeding, but consult your doctor to weigh benefits and risks.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose of chloroquine is life-threatening and can cause cardiovascular collapse, respiratory arrest, and seizures. Seek emergency medical attention immediately. Treatment includes gastric lavage, activated charcoal, and supportive care with epinephrine, diazepam, and mechanical ventilation as needed. Hemodialysis may be considered.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Regular eye examinations are essential if you are on long-term therapy. Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, heart problems, or a history of epilepsy. Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. Use effective contraception during treatment if you are of childbearing age. Do not share this medicine with others. Keep out of reach of children.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients are at higher risk of eye and heart toxicity. Regular monitoring of vision, heart, and kidney function is recommended. Dose adjustment may be needed.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning pregnancy, consult your doctor. This medicine is generally safe for malaria but may need to be switched for autoimmune conditions. Use effective contraception during treatment if not planning pregnancy.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
Inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist that you are taking this medicine. It may interact with certain anesthetic agents and affect heart rhythm. Your doctor may advise temporary discontinuation.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist that you are taking this medicine. It may increase the risk of bleeding or interact with certain medications used in dental procedures.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
This medicine may cause dizziness or blurred vision. Avoid strenuous exercise or activities requiring alertness until you know how it affects you. Consult your doctor before starting any new exercise regimen.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine may cause dizziness or blurred vision, which can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid these activities until you know how the medicine affects you. It is advisable to inform your employer if your work involves such tasks.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor. For malaria, complete the full course even if you feel better. For autoimmune conditions, your doctor will decide the duration of treatment based on your response and monitoring.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine can lead to irreversible eye damage (retinopathy), heart problems, and blood disorders. Regular monitoring of vision, heart, and blood counts is essential. The risk increases with higher doses and longer duration of use.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
A safer alternative with fewer eye side effects, often used for autoimmune conditions.
Evidence: Well-establishedPreferred for malaria in areas with chloroquine resistance.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
This medicine does not interact with vaccines. However, if you are taking it for malaria prophylaxis, ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date before travel.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature (15-30°C)
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate unless specified
✅ DO
Keep in original container
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight
❌ DON'T
Do not store in bathroom cabinet
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When travelling, carry this medicine in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription. Store it at room temperature and protect it from moisture. If crossing time zones, adjust dosing schedule as advised by your doctor. Check customs regulations for carrying prescription medicines.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: For malaria, improvement may begin within 24-48 hours. For autoimmune conditions, it may take several weeks to months for full effect.
A: Yes, taking it with food or milk can reduce stomach upset.
A: It is generally considered safe for malaria treatment and prophylaxis during pregnancy, but consult your doctor for autoimmune conditions.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine can cure all types of malaria.
Fact: It is only effective against chloroquine-sensitive malaria parasites. Resistance is common in some regions. - Myth: It is safe to take without regular eye check-ups.
Fact: Long-term use can cause irreversible eye damage, so regular eye examinations are essential.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Chloroquine phosphate 1 mg tablet
Brand Alternatives
- Cerona 1mg Tablet