Chloroquine & Proguanil Side Effects
Chloroquine and proguanil are prescription drugs that are used to prevent malaria. Chloroquine may also be used to treat malaria and is sold under the Aralen brand name in the United States. These drugs are available in tablets. Doctors may recommend these drugs prior to a trip to a foreign country. Malaria prone areas of the world tend to have warm climates where mosquitoes can thrive. Malaria is transmitted by a mosquito bite.
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Nervous System Effects of Chloroquine
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Some people have endured strange side effects that are related to the nervous system while they used chloroquine. According to the Mayo Clinic, some patients have experienced blurred vision or loss of vision after starting on this drug. Some patients had difficulty reading. Other vision changes and eye pain are possible. Lightheadedness and fainting have occurred. Seizures have been reported in some cases. Mood changes have developed in some users.
Skin and Related Effects of Chloroquine
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Unusual skin related side effects have been reported by some chloroquine patients. According to the Mayo Clinic, some individual users have noticed itching and skin rash while they were treated with this medication. Blue and black discolorations of the fingernails and skin have been reported. Red pinpoint spotting was observed on the skin in some cases. Some people complained of unusual bleeding or bruising. Bleaching of the hair and hair loss have occurred in some chloroquine patients.
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Other Effects of Chloroquine
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Other side effects have been reported by some chloroquine patients. According to the Mayo Clinic, some individual users have suffered from eye pain, loss of appetite and stomach cramps while they were treated with this drug. Stools became bloody, tarry or black in some cases. Coughs, chills and fever have been reported. Muscle weakness, side of body pain and back pain have occurred. Some individuals experienced painful urination, hearing loss or ringing in the ears.
Proguanil Effects
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Some patients have developed side effects after using proguanil. According to the Mayo Clinic, some people have complained of headaches after they were treated with this drug. Diarrhea has developed in some users. Some patients became nauseated or started vomiting. Mouth sores and ulcers have occurred in some cases. Temporary hair loss, itching and skin rash have developed in some users of proguanil.
Overdose
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Patients need to be aware of the signs of overdoses of chloroquine and proguanil and get prompt medical help. According to the Mayo Clinic, an overdose of chloroquine can result in unusual drowsiness. Chloroquine can cause increased excitability or headaches in high doses. According to the Mayo Clinic, a proguanil overdose can lead to pain and burning during urination. Lower back pain, stomach pain and abdominal pain can occur with a high dose of proguanil.
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