Chloroquine: Uses, Risks, and What You Need to Know

When you hear chloroquine, a synthetic antimalarial drug once widely used to prevent and treat malaria. Also known as CQ, it was a go-to medication for decades before resistance and safety concerns changed its role. It’s not just for malaria anymore — it’s been studied for autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, and even tried during the pandemic for COVID-19, though those uses are now largely unsupported by evidence.

Chloroquine doesn’t work the same for everyone. It’s a hydroxychloroquine, a closely related compound with a slightly better safety profile. Also known as HCQ, it’s often preferred today because it’s less toxic to the eyes and heart. But both drugs carry risks — especially if you have heart problems, liver disease, or take other medications. Mixing chloroquine with certain antibiotics, antidepressants, or even antacids can change how your body processes them, leading to dangerous side effects like irregular heartbeat or low blood sugar.

One of the biggest dangers isn’t the drug itself — it’s the assumption that it’s safe because it’s old. People still buy it online without a prescription, thinking it’s harmless. But chloroquine overdose can cause seizures, coma, or sudden death. Even at normal doses, long-term use can damage your retina, and that damage is often permanent. That’s why regular eye exams are required if you’re on it for more than a few months.

There are better options now for malaria prevention in most parts of the world. Drugs like atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline are safer and just as effective. For autoimmune conditions, hydroxychloroquine is still used, but only when other treatments fail — and always under close supervision. If you’re considering chloroquine for any reason, ask your doctor about alternatives, your personal risk factors, and whether you really need it at all.

What you’ll find below are real, evidence-based posts that dig into the practical side of chloroquine and related drugs — from how it interacts with other meds, to why some people can’t use it, to what happens when it’s misused. No fluff. No hype. Just what you need to know before taking it — or letting someone else take it.