Chloroquine 250 Mg Tablet: 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
- Chest pain, palpitations, fainting, or shortness of breath
- Sudden change in vision, halos around lights, or difficulty reading
- Severe skin rash, blistering, or peeling of the skin
- Swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or difficulty breathing
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, or severe upper abdominal pain
- Unusual bruising, bleeding, or signs of infection such as fever and chills
- Severe dizziness, confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness
- Blood sugar symptoms such as sweating, shakiness, confusion, or fainting
- Severe vomiting or inability to keep the medicine down
- New muscle weakness, numbness, or difficulty walking
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is coec 250mg tablet used for?
This medicine is an oral prescription tablet containing chloroquine 250 mg. It is used mainly to treat malaria caused by susceptible parasites and is also used for some inflammatory and skin conditions. It works by interfering with the parasite's ability to digest haemoglobin and by calming certain immune reactions. It must be taken exactly as prescribed and needs medical monitoring because it can affect the eyes, heart, blood sugar, and blood.
- Generic Name: Chloroquine
- Manufacturer: Elikem Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 coec 250mg tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा मुख्य रूप से मलेरिया के इलाज के लिए इस्तेमाल की जाती है, खासकर उन मलेरिया परजीवियों के लिए जो क्लोरोक्वीन के प्रति संवेदनशील होते हैं। इसके अलावा यह कुछ सूजन वाली बीमारियों जैसे रूमेटॉइड आर्थराइटिस और ल्यूपस में भी डॉक्टर की सलाह पर दी जा सकती है। यह दवा परजीवी के भीतर काम करके उसे जीवित रहने के लिए जरूरी पोषक तत्व नहीं लेने देती, जिससे परजीवी मर जाता है। यह दवा सिर्फ डॉक्टर के प्रिस्क्रिप्शन पर ही लेनी चाहिए और बिना सलाह कभी शुरू या बंद नहीं करनी चाहिए।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा से कुछ लोगों को जी मिचलाना, उल्टी, पेट में असहजता, भूख कम लगना, सिरदर्द, चक्कर आना, धुंधला दिखना और खुजली जैसी आम समस्याएं हो सकती हैं। ये आमतौर पर हल्की होती हैं और कुछ समय में ठीक हो जाती हैं, लेकिन अगर ये परेशान करें तो डॉक्टर को बताना चाहिए। कभी-कभी आंखों की रोशनी में बदलाव, दिल की धड़कन में गड़बड़ी, ब्लड शुगर कम होना, खून से जुड़ी समस्याएं या गंभीर एलर्जी जैसी गंभीर प्रतिक्रियाएं भी हो सकती हैं। अगर सीने में दर्द, बेहोशी, धड़कन तेज होना, अचानक दिखना बंद होना, गंभीर दाने या चेहरे-होंठ-गले में सूजन हो तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से मिलें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें, और अगर पेट खराब लगे तो इसे भोजन या दूध के साथ लें। अपनी मर्जी से दवा की मात्रा न बढ़ाएं और न ही बिना सलाह इलाज बंद करें। अपने डॉक्टर को अपनी सभी दूसरी दवाओं के बारे में बताएं, खासकर दिल, शुगर, एंटासिड और आंखों या लिवर पर असर डालने वाली दवाओं के बारे में। लंबे समय तक दवा लेने पर आंखों की जांच जरूर कराएं। इस दवा के साथ शराब न लें क्योंकि इससे चक्कर, जी मिचलाना और लिवर पर असर बढ़ सकता है। अगर चक्कर आएं या धुंधला दिखे तो गाड़ी न चलाएं और मशीन न चलाएं। दवा को बच्चों से दूर, ठंडी और सूखी जगह पर, मूल डिब्बे में ही रखें।
💊 coec 250mg tablet Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Uncomplicated malaria due to susceptible Plasmodium species","description":"This medicine is used to treat malaria caused by parasites that remain sensitive to chloroquine, and it is usually given as part of a treatment plan that may include other medicines depending on local resistance patterns.","evidence":"Well-established for susceptible species"},{"condition":"Malaria prevention in selected travellers","description":"In some regions where the malaria parasite is known to be chloroquine-sensitive, this medicine may be prescribed before, during, and after travel to reduce the risk of infection.","evidence":"Established for susceptible regions only"},{"condition":"Extraintestinal amoebiasis","description":"This medicine can be used to treat amoebic liver abscess in adults, often together with another medicine that clears the parasite from the gut.","evidence":"Established"},{"condition":"Rheumatoid arthritis","description":"This medicine is sometimes used as a disease-modifying medicine in inflammatory joint disease, but it is used less often now because safer alternatives are available.","evidence":"Established but limited by toxicity"},{"condition":"Systemic lupus erythematosus","description":"This medicine can help control skin and joint symptoms in lupus, and it may reduce the risk of flares in some patients.","evidence":"Established"},{"condition":"Discoid lupus erythematosus","description":"This medicine is used for chronic skin lupus lesions, especially when sun protection and topical treatments are not enough.","evidence":"Established"},{"condition":"Porphyria cutanea tarda","description":"This medicine can be used in selected patients with this rare skin condition to reduce blistering and skin fragility.","evidence":"Limited but recognised"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Sarcoidosis","description":"This medicine is sometimes used off-label to suppress inflammation in sarcoidosis, but it is not a first-line treatment.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Chronic urticaria","description":"This medicine has been used off-label for difficult-to-treat hives, but it is not a standard first choice.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Porphyria cutanea tarda","description":"This medicine is used in some settings for this condition, although the exact place in treatment varies.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Malaria
Also treats: Extraintestinal amoebiasis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Discoid lupus erythematosus, Porphyria cutanea tarda
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Chloroquine |
| Brand Name | Amloquin DS 250mg Tablet |
| Manufacturer | Elikem Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | OPHTHAL |
| Action Class | Antimalarial- Aminoquinolines |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store this medicine at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Keep the tablets in their original container with the lid tightly closed. Do not store them in a bathroom cabinet or near a sink. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets. |
| Shelf Life | The shelf life is usually 24 to 36 months from the date of manufacture, but you should always check the expiry date printed on the pack. Do not use the medicine after the expiry date. |
| WHO Guideline | The World Health Organization recommends treating malaria with medicines that are effective against the parasite in the region where the infection was caught. Chloroquine is no longer recommended for falciparum malaria in most parts of the world because of resistance, but it may still have a role in areas where the parasite remains sensitive. Always follow national malaria treatment guidelines and the advice of your clinician. |
| ICMR Guideline | In India, national malaria treatment guidelines advise that chloroquine may be used for malaria caused by susceptible parasites, but it should not be used for falciparum malaria in areas where resistance is common. The choice of treatment should follow the latest national programme recommendations and the advice of a qualified clinician. |
👨⚕️ 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 mainly inside the acidic food vacuole of the malaria parasite. The active ingredient is a weak base, so it becomes concentrated in that acidic compartment. Once inside, it interferes with the parasite's ability to break down haemoglobin and detoxify the released haem. This leads to a build-up of toxic haem products and prevents the parasite from obtaining the amino acids it needs to grow and multiply. In inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, the same active ingredient is thought to reduce the activity of immune cells and dampen the release of inflammatory signals, although the exact way it does this is not fully understood.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take coec 250mg tablet
Strength: This product is an immediate-release oral tablet containing chloroquine 250 mg.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The adult dose of this medicine depends on the condition being treated, the sensitivity of the malaria parasite in your region, your body weight, and your kidney and liver function. For malaria, a clinician may prescribe a starting dose followed by smaller doses over the next few days, but the exact schedule must be set by your clinician. For inflammatory conditions, the dose is usually lower and is taken once daily or on certain days of the week. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. Never change the dose or stop treatment without medical advice. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information for this specific product. Consult a pediatrician, because children need doses based on body weight and the condition being treated. |
| Elderly Dosage | Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine, especially dizziness, blurred vision, heart rhythm changes, and low blood sugar. Kidney and liver function often decline with age, so the dose may need to be reviewed by a clinician. Regular eye checks are especially important in older adults who take this medicine for a long time. |
| Renal Impairment | This medicine is removed mainly by the kidneys, so people with reduced kidney function may need a lower dose or a longer gap between doses. The exact adjustment must be made by a qualified clinician based on kidney function tests. |
| Hepatic Impairment | People with liver disease may break down this medicine more slowly, which can increase the risk of side effects. A clinician may need to reduce the dose or monitor liver tests more closely. The exact adjustment must be individualized. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum daily dose depends on the condition being treated and must be determined by a qualified clinician. Do not exceed the dose prescribed for you. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of coec 250mg 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 | Major | |
| Cimetidine | Major | |
| Chlorpromazine | Moderate | |
| Ciprofloxacin | Moderate | |
| Methotrexate | Moderate | |
| Rifampicin | Moderate | |
| Paracetamol | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Amiodarone, sotalol, or other QT-prolonging medicines
- Mefloquine
- Insulin and other diabetes medicines
- Antacids and kaolin
- Cimetidine
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Chlorpromazine and other phenothiazines
- Ciprofloxacin and other fluoroquinolones
- Methotrexate
- Penicillamine
- Rifampicin
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol should be avoided while taking this medicine. Alcohol can worsen nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and stomach irritation, and it may increase the risk of liver problems. It can also make it harder to judge whether side effects such as blurred vision or drowsiness are due to the medicine or to alcohol.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known allergy to chloroquine or related 4-aminoquinoline medicines","Existing damage to the retina of the eye or certain types of visual field loss","Heart block or other significant heart rhythm problems","Porphyria","Severe liver disease","Severe kidney disease, unless a specialist decides it is safe","Use with medicines that strongly prolong the QT interval, unless a specialist decides it is essential"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["This medicine can cause eye damage, especially with long-term use, so regular eye checks are needed.","It can cause serious heart rhythm problems, so tell your clinician about any heart condition or family history of sudden cardiac death.","It can lower blood sugar, so people with diabetes should monitor their sugar levels more often.","It can cause dizziness and blurred vision, so avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.","It can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, so use sun protection when outdoors.","It can cause blood problems, so report unusual bruising, bleeding, or infections.","It should not be used to treat malaria in areas where the parasite is known to be resistant, because it may not work.","It should be used with caution in people with liver or kidney disease.","It should not be shared with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms.","It should be kept out of the reach of children because overdose can be dangerous."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
This medicine passes into breast milk in small amounts. Breastfeeding may be possible when the medicine is needed, but the decision should be made with a clinician who can weigh the benefits for the mother against any possible effects on the baby.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose with this medicine is a medical emergency and can be life-threatening. Symptoms may include severe headache, drowsiness, blurred vision, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, seizures, and loss of consciousness. If an overdose is suspected, call emergency services immediately and go to the nearest hospital. Do not try to make yourself vomit unless a medical professional tells you to. Treatment in hospital may include activated charcoal, medicines to support the heart and blood pressure, and close monitoring of the heart rhythm and breathing. Bring the medicine container or a list of what was taken to the hospital.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose. If you are unsure what to do, contact your clinician or pharmacist for advice.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as your clinician prescribes, with food or a glass of milk if it upsets your stomach. Do not take more than the prescribed dose, and do not take it for longer than advised without medical review. Tell your clinician about all other medicines you take, especially heart rhythm medicines, diabetes medicines, antacids, and medicines that can affect the eyes or liver. Keep all follow-up appointments, including eye examinations if you are on long-term treatment. Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine because it can worsen stomach upset and dizziness. Use reliable contraception if you are of childbearing age and discuss pregnancy plans with your clinician before starting treatment. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy or your vision is blurred. Store the tablets in their original container, away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight, and keep them out of the reach of children. If you miss a dose, follow your clinician's instructions and never double the dose to catch up.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine, especially dizziness, blurred vision, heart rhythm changes, and low blood sugar. Kidney and liver function often decline with age, so the dose may need to be reviewed. Regular eye checks are especially important in older adults on long-term treatment. Falls risk may increase if dizziness or blurred vision occurs.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning pregnancy, discuss this medicine with your clinician before you start trying to conceive. This medicine should only be used in pregnancy when a qualified clinician decides that the benefit clearly outweighs the risk. Reliable contraception is advised during treatment unless your clinician says otherwise. Do not stop or change any treatment for a serious condition without medical advice.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
Tell your surgeon and anaesthetist if you are taking this medicine, because it can affect heart rhythm and blood sugar. Your clinician may advise monitoring during and after surgery. Do not stop the medicine before surgery unless your clinician tells you to.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Tell your dentist if you are taking this medicine. It can cause dry mouth, taste changes, or bleeding problems in some people. Your dentist may need to take extra care if you have a bleeding tendency or are taking other medicines. Continue taking this medicine as prescribed unless your clinician advises otherwise.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
This medicine can cause dizziness, blurred vision, and muscle weakness. Avoid strenuous exercise or activities that require sharp vision and balance until you know how the medicine affects you. If you feel dizzy or weak, stop exercising and rest. Talk to your clinician before starting a new exercise programme if you are on long-term treatment.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine can cause dizziness, blurred vision, and tiredness, which may affect your ability to drive, operate machinery, or perform tasks that need concentration. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medicine affects you. If your work involves shift work or night driving, discuss this with your clinician. Most people can continue their usual daily activities, but you should take extra care until you are sure of the effects.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop this medicine on your own. For malaria, you must complete the full course even if you feel better, because stopping early can allow the infection to return and can lead to resistance. For long-term use in inflammatory conditions, your clinician will decide when to stop based on your response and any side effects. Seek urgent medical advice and stop the medicine if you develop a serious reaction such as a severe rash, vision loss, palpitations, fainting, or difficulty breathing.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine can lead to damage to the retina of the eye, which may not cause symptoms at first but can become permanent if not detected early. It can also cause muscle weakness, heart rhythm problems, blood disorders, and skin changes. Regular eye examinations, heart checks when needed, and blood tests are important during long-term treatment. The dose and duration should be reviewed regularly by your clinician, and the medicine should be stopped if serious side effects develop.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Using insecticide-treated nets, repellents, and protective clothing reduces the risk of malaria and is important alongside any antimalarial medicine.
Evidence: Well-establishedA related medicine that may be used for some autoimmune conditions and is generally considered to have a lower risk of eye damage.
Evidence: Well-established for several conditionsThe preferred treatment for falciparum malaria in most areas where chloroquine resistance is common.
Evidence: Well-establishedCan complement medicine for joint and muscle conditions and help maintain mobility.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
There is no specific vaccine interaction known for this medicine. However, if you are unwell with malaria or another infection, your clinician may advise delaying routine vaccinations until you have recovered. Always tell the vaccination provider about all medicines you are taking.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.
❌ DON'T
Do not store in a bathroom cabinet or near a sink.
✅ DO
Keep the tablets in their original container with the lid tightly closed.
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer them to unmarked containers.
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight.
❌ DON'T
Do not leave the pack in a hot car or near a stove.
✅ DO
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
❌ DON'T
Do not keep loose tablets within easy reach.
✅ DO
Check the expiry date before use.
❌ DON'T
Do not use expired tablets.
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When travelling, carry this medicine in its original packaging with the prescription label clearly visible. Keep a copy of your prescription and a letter from your clinician if you are carrying a large amount or travelling internationally. Store the tablets in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, and do not leave them in a hot car. If you are crossing time zones, ask your clinician how to adjust the timing of your doses. Check the rules of your destination country about carrying prescription medicines, and keep the medicine in your hand luggage rather than checked baggage. If you are travelling to a malaria area, use mosquito nets and repellents as well, because no medicine gives complete protection.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: For malaria, fever and parasite levels usually start to improve within hours to a day or two, but full recovery depends on the type of parasite and your general health. For inflammatory conditions, the full benefit may take several weeks.
A: Yes, taking it with food or milk can reduce nausea and stomach discomfort. Avoid taking antacids within four hours of this medicine.
A: Seek urgent medical help for vision changes, palpitations, fainting, chest pain, severe rash, swelling of the face or throat, yellowing of the eyes or skin, unusual bleeding, or symptoms of low blood sugar.
A: No. You should finish the full course exactly as prescribed, even if you feel better, to clear the infection and reduce the risk of resistance.
A: It should be used in pregnancy only when a qualified clinician decides that the benefit clearly outweighs the risk. Do not take it without medical advice if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
A: Yes. Alcohol can worsen dizziness, nausea, stomach upset, and liver risk, so it is best avoided while taking this medicine.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for coec 250mg tablet
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
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zolar 250mg tabletPan Pharmaceuticals Ltd ₹3.00 40% CHEAPER
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malaquin 250mg tabletPCI Pharmaceuticals ₹3.98 20.4% CHEAPER
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malgo 250mg tabletSuzikem Drugs Pvt Ltd ₹4.00 20% CHEAPER
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Troyquin 250mg TabletTroikaa Pharmaceuticals Ltd ₹4.76 4.8% CHEAPER
-
ceequine 250mg tabletPCI Pharmaceuticals ₹4.85 3% CHEAPER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine can be taken for any fever.
Fact: This medicine is not a general fever medicine. It is used for specific conditions such as malaria caused by susceptible parasites, and it should only be taken when prescribed. - Myth: Once you feel better, you can stop the medicine early.
Fact: Stopping early can allow the infection to come back and can lead to resistance. Always finish the course exactly as prescribed. - Myth: This medicine is completely safe for long-term use without checks.
Fact: Long-term use can damage the eyes and affect the heart, blood, and blood sugar, so regular monitoring is needed. - Myth: This medicine can be shared with family members who have similar symptoms.
Fact: This medicine is prescribed for a specific person and condition. Sharing it can be harmful and can delay correct treatment. - Myth: Alcohol does not matter while taking this medicine.
Fact: Alcohol can worsen stomach upset, dizziness, and liver risk, so it is best avoided during treatment.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Chloroquine phosphate 250 mg tablet
Brand Alternatives
- Amloquin DS 250 mg tablet