Bitaquine Ds 500mg 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
- Sudden vision loss or blurred vision
- Chest pain, palpitations, or irregular heartbeat
- Severe dizziness or fainting
- Difficulty breathing or swelling of face, lips, or throat
- Severe skin rash with blistering or peeling
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Yellowing of eyes or skin
- Decreased urine output
- Severe abdominal pain with vomiting
- Confusion, hallucinations, or seizures
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is cloquin ds 500mg tablet used for?
This medicine is an oral tablet containing Chloroquine 500mg, used to treat malaria and certain autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. It works by killing malaria parasites and reducing inflammation. It should be taken exactly as prescribed, with regular monitoring for eye and heart side effects.
- Generic Name: Chloroquine
- Manufacturer: Indoco Remedies Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 cloquin ds 500mg tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा मुख्य रूप से मलेरिया के इलाज के लिए उपयोग की जाती है, खासकर उन मलेरिया परजीवियों के खिलाफ जो क्लोरोक्वीन के प्रति संवेदनशील हैं। इसके अलावा, यह रूमेटॉइड आर्थराइटिस और सिस्टमिक ल्यूपस एरिथेमेटोसस जैसी ऑटोइम्यून बीमारियों में भी प्रभावी है। यह दवा शरीर में सूजन को कम करने और प्रतिरक्षा प्रणाली को नियंत्रित करने में मदद करती है। इसे डॉक्टर के निर्देशानुसार ही लें।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में मतली, उल्टी, पेट दर्द, सिरदर्द, चक्कर आना और धुंधली दृष्टि शामिल हैं। ये आमतौर पर हल्के होते हैं और कुछ समय में ठीक हो जाते हैं। लंबे समय तक उपयोग से आंखों को नुकसान हो सकता है, इसलिए नियमित आंखों की जांच जरूरी है। गंभीर दुष्प्रभावों में दिल की धड़कन में गड़बड़ी, सुनने में कमी, और त्वचा पर गंभीर रैश शामिल हैं। किसी भी गंभीर लक्षण पर तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को लेने से पहले अपने डॉक्टर को अपनी सभी स्वास्थ्य समस्याओं के बारे में बताएं, खासकर आंखों, दिल, लीवर, किडनी या मिर्गी की बीमारी। लंबे समय तक इस दवा का सेवन करने पर नियमित आंखों की जांच करवाएं। गर्भवती महिलाएं बिना डॉक्टर की सलाह के यह दवा न लें। इस दवा के साथ शराब का सेवन न करें। चक्कर आने या धुंधली दृष्टि होने पर वाहन न चलाएं। दवा को बच्चों की पहुंच से दूर रखें।
💊 cloquin ds 500mg tablet Uses & Benefits
- [{"condition":"Uncomplicated malaria","description":"Used to treat malaria caused by susceptible strains of Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium malariae.
- It is not effective against chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Rheumatoid arthritis","description":"Used as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug to reduce joint pain and inflammation" class="semantic-link" title="Medicines for swelling">swelling in patients with mild to moderate rheumatoid arthritis.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Systemic lupus erythematosus","description":"Helps to manage skin and joint symptoms in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Discoid lupus erythematosus","description":"Used to treat chronic skin lesions associated with discoid lupus erythematosus.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Extraintestinal amebiasis","description":"Used as an adjunct in the treatment of extraintestinal amebiasis in some cases.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Porphyria cutanea tarda","description":"Sometimes prescribed off-label to reduce skin blistering and liver enzyme abnormalities in porphyria cutanea tarda.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Sarcoidosis","description":"Occasionally used off-label for the treatment of sarcoidosis, particularly skin and joint involvement.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Chronic urticaria","description":"Rarely used off-label for chronic urticaria that does not respond to standard antihistamines.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Malaria
Also treats: Rheumatoid arthritis, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Discoid lupus erythematosus, Extraintestinal amebiasis
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Chloroquine |
| Brand Name | Amloquin DS 250mg Tablet |
| Manufacturer | Indoco Remedies Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | OPHTHAL |
| Action Class | Antimalarial- Aminoquinolines |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep in the original container, tightly closed. |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from the date of manufacture. |
| WHO Guideline | The World Health Organization recommends chloroquine for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by susceptible Plasmodium species in areas where the parasite is known to be sensitive. However, due to widespread resistance, its use is limited to specific regions. For autoimmune diseases, guidelines from rheumatology societies recommend chloroquine as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug for mild to moderate disease. |
| ICMR Guideline | The Indian Council of Medical Research recommends chloroquine for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in areas where Plasmodium falciparum is chloroquine-sensitive. It is also recommended for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus under specialist supervision. Regular monitoring for ocular toxicity is advised. |
👨⚕️ 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
This medicine works by concentrating in the acidic food vacuoles of susceptible malaria parasites, where it inhibits the polymerization of toxic heme into inert hemozoin. The accumulation of free heme damages the parasite's membrane and leads to its death. In autoimmune diseases, the exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it is believed to interfere with antigen processing and presentation, reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines, and modulate immune cell function. It also has mild anti-inflammatory properties and can stabilize lysosomal membranes.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take cloquin ds 500mg tablet
Strength: This medicine is available as an immediate-release oral tablet containing 500 mg of chloroquine phosphate (equivalent to 300 mg chloroquine base).
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The dosage of this medicine must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on the indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function, and severity of the condition. For malaria treatment, a common regimen is an initial dose of 600 mg base (approximately 1000 mg chloroquine phosphate), followed by 300 mg base (approximately 500 mg chloroquine phosphate) at 6, 24, and 48 hours. For autoimmune conditions, the usual adult dose is 150-300 mg base (approximately 250-500 mg chloroquine phosphate) once daily. Do not exceed the prescribed dose. Always follow your doctor's instructions. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician for appropriate dosing. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients may be more susceptible to the side effects of this medicine, particularly visual disturbances and cardiac arrhythmias. Dose selection should be cautious, and renal function should be monitored. Individualize the dose based on clinical response and tolerability. |
| Renal Impairment | In patients with renal impairment, dose reduction may be necessary. The dose should be individualized based on creatinine clearance. Monitor renal function closely during therapy. |
| Hepatic Impairment | In patients with hepatic impairment, this medicine should be used with caution. Dose reduction may be required, and liver function should be monitored regularly. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum daily dose should not exceed 500 mg chloroquine phosphate (300 mg base) for long-term therapy, unless otherwise directed by a specialist. For malaria treatment, higher doses may be used under medical supervision. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of cloquin ds 500mg 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 | |
| Digoxin | Major | |
| Insulin | Major | |
| Methotrexate | Major | |
| Antacids | Moderate | |
| Kaolin | Moderate | |
| Cimetidine | Moderate | |
| Rifampicin | Moderate | |
| Cyclosporine | Moderate |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Amiodarone
- Mefloquine
- Digoxin
- Insulin and oral hypoglycemics
- Methotrexate
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Antacids
- Kaolin
- Cimetidine
- Rifampicin
- Cyclosporine
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol may increase the risk of liver toxicity and gastrointestinal side effects when taken with this medicine. It is advisable to avoid alcohol during treatment.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known hypersensitivity to chloroquine or any component of the formulation","Pre-existing retinopathy or visual field changes","Concurrent use with amiodarone or other QT-prolonging drugs","Severe liver disease","Severe renal impairment (unless benefits outweigh risks)","Porphyria","Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (risk of hemolysis)","Psoriasis (may exacerbate)","Epilepsy (may increase seizure risk)"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["Perform baseline and periodic ophthalmologic examinations during prolonged therapy.","Use with caution in patients with hepatic or renal impairment; dose adjustment may be necessary.","Monitor for signs of hypoglycemia, especially in diabetic patients.","Avoid in patients with a history of epilepsy as it may lower seizure threshold.","May exacerbate psoriasis and porphyria.","Do not use for malaria prophylaxis in areas with chloroquine-resistant malaria.","Concurrent use with other QT-prolonging drugs should be avoided.","Advise patients to report visual changes, muscle weakness, or hearing loss promptly.","Use with caution in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency due to risk of hemolysis.","Not recommended for long-term use in children for autoimmune conditions without specialist supervision."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
This medicine is excreted in breast milk in small amounts. It is generally considered safe during breastfeeding, but consult your doctor to weigh the benefits and risks, especially if the infant is premature or has glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose of this medicine can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of overdose include severe headache, drowsiness, visual disturbances, convulsions, cardiac arrhythmias, and respiratory depression. There is no specific antidote. Treatment is supportive and may include gastric lavage if within 1-2 hours of ingestion, activated charcoal, intravenous fluids, and management of arrhythmias. Early administration of epinephrine and diazepam may be considered. Hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis is not effective in removing the drug. Contact a poison control center immediately if overdose is suspected.
⏰ 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
Before starting this medicine, tell your doctor if you have any eye problems, heart conditions, liver or kidney disease, or a history of epilepsy. You should have a thorough eye examination before treatment and periodically during long-term therapy. Avoid taking this medicine with antacids or kaolin, as they can reduce its absorption. Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant unless specifically advised by your doctor, as it may harm the unborn baby. Breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor before use. Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine, as it may increase the risk of liver problems. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you experience dizziness or blurred vision. Keep this medicine out of reach of children and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients are at higher risk of developing side effects such as retinopathy, cardiac arrhythmias, and muscle weakness. Dose selection should be cautious, and renal function should be monitored regularly. Regular eye examinations are especially important in this age group. Falls due to dizziness or visual disturbances should be prevented.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before taking this medicine. It should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Effective contraception is recommended during treatment for autoimmune conditions. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor to make an informed decision.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
Inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist that you are taking this medicine before any surgery. It may interact with certain anesthetic agents and affect heart rhythm. Your doctor may advise you to stop the medicine temporarily before surgery. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist that you are taking this medicine before any dental procedure. It may increase the risk of bleeding or interact with certain medications used in dentistry. Your dentist may consult with your doctor to determine if any precautions are needed.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
If you experience dizziness, blurred vision, or muscle weakness while taking this medicine, avoid activities that require mental alertness or physical coordination, such as driving or operating heavy machinery. Consult your doctor before starting any new exercise regimen, especially if you have heart or muscle-related side effects.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine may cause dizziness, blurred vision, or fatigue, which can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. It is important to assess how you feel before performing such tasks. If you have autoimmune conditions, the medicine may improve your ability to work by reducing pain and fatigue, but regular monitoring and doctor visits may require time off. Discuss any work-related concerns with your doctor.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor. For malaria, complete the full course as prescribed, even if you feel better. For autoimmune conditions, stopping abruptly may cause a flare-up of symptoms. Your doctor will determine the appropriate duration of therapy and may taper the dose if needed. If you experience serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately for guidance.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine can lead to irreversible eye damage (retinopathy), which may progress even after stopping the medicine. Regular ophthalmologic monitoring is essential. Other long-term effects include muscle weakness, hearing loss, and skin pigmentation changes. It can also cause blood disorders and liver toxicity. The risk increases with higher cumulative doses and longer duration of therapy. Periodic monitoring of blood counts, liver and kidney function, and eye health is recommended.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Can complement medicine for chronic pain and improve joint function in arthritis.
Evidence: Well-establishedAnti-inflammatory diet may help reduce symptoms in autoimmune conditions.
Evidence: LimitedTechniques like yoga and meditation can help manage stress and improve quality of life.
Evidence: Limited💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
This medicine may affect the immune response to vaccines. Consult your doctor before receiving any live vaccines while taking this medicine. Inactivated vaccines are generally safe, but the immune response may be reduced. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about this medicine before any vaccination.
📦 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
✅ DO
Keep out of reach of children
❌ DON'T
Do not use after expiry date
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When traveling, carry this medicine in its original packaging along with a copy of your prescription. If you are traveling across time zones, consult your doctor about adjusting the dosing schedule. Store the medicine in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. For international travel, check the customs regulations of your destination regarding prescription medicines. Always carry enough supply for your entire trip, plus extra in case of delays.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: For malaria, improvement may be seen within 24-48 hours. For autoimmune conditions, it may take several weeks to months to notice the full effect.
A: Yes, taking it with food or milk can help reduce stomach upset.
A: Serious side effects include vision changes, heart rhythm problems, severe skin reactions, and blood disorders. Report any unusual symptoms to your doctor immediately.
A: It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk. Consult your doctor for personalized advice.
A: It is advisable to avoid alcohol as it may increase the risk of liver toxicity and gastrointestinal side effects.
A: You should have a baseline eye exam before starting and then periodic exams (every 6-12 months) during long-term therapy.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for cloquin ds 500mg tablet
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
loroquin 500mg tabletMakers Laboratories Ltd ₹4.26 31.9% CHEAPER
-
maliago 500mg tabletCipla Ltd ₹5.86 6.4% CHEAPER
-
mahaquin 500mg tabletMankind Pharma Ltd ₹6.23 0.5% CHEAPER
-
lariquin 500mg tabletThemis Medicare Ltd ₹6.77 8.1% COSTLIER
-
nivaquine p forte 500mg tabletAbbott ₹7.33 17.1% COSTLIER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine can be taken for any type of malaria.
Fact: This medicine is only effective against chloroquine-sensitive malaria parasites. It is not effective against chloroquine-resistant malaria. - Myth: This medicine is safe for long-term use without monitoring.
Fact: Long-term use requires regular eye examinations and blood tests to monitor for side effects such as retinopathy and blood disorders. - Myth: This medicine can be used to prevent malaria in all regions.
Fact: This medicine is not recommended for malaria prophylaxis in areas with chloroquine-resistant malaria. - Myth: This medicine is safe to take during pregnancy without any risk.
Fact: This medicine should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk. Consult your doctor.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Chloroquine phosphate 500mg tablet
Brand Alternatives
- Bitaquine DS 500mg tablet