Medicine Information

Bioquin

Name: Bioquin
Brand: Bioquin
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Tablet200 mgAntimalarial, Anti-rheumaticATC: P01BA01

Generic Name

Chloroquine Phosphate

Manufacturer

A local pharmaceutical company

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
bioquin 200 mg tablet	৳ 10.00	৳ 100.00

Description

Overview of the medicine

Bioquin 200 mg Tablet contains Chloroquine Phosphate, an antimalarial and anti-inflammatory drug used to prevent and treat malaria, and for certain autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus.

Uses & Indications

Treatment and prophylaxis of malaria caused by susceptible strains of Plasmodium vivax, P. ovale, and P. malariae

Treatment of extra-intestinal amoebiasis

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Dosage

Adults

Malaria (treatment): Initial 800 mg (4 tablets), then 400 mg (2 tablets) after 6-8 hours, then 400 mg (2 tablets) daily for the next 2 days. Malaria (prophylaxis): 400 mg (2 tablets) once weekly, starting 1-2 weeks before exposure and continuing for 4 weeks after leaving the endemic area. Rheumatoid Arthritis/SLE: 200 mg (1 tablet) daily.

Elderly

Dosage adjustment may be necessary in elderly patients, especially with impaired renal function. Monitor for adverse effects.

Renal_impairment

Significant dosage reduction is required in severe renal impairment (CrCl < 10 mL/min). Monitor plasma levels if possible.

How to Take

Administer orally. Take with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal irritation and improve tolerance. Do not crush or chew the tablet.

Mechanism of Action

Chloroquine interferes with the malarial parasite's ability to detoxify heme, leading to oxidative stress and parasite death. In autoimmune conditions, it has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects by altering lysosomal activity and antigen presentation.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Antimalarial effect usually observed within 24-48 hours. For autoimmune conditions, effects may take weeks to months.

Excretion

Mainly renal (50-70% as unchanged drug), but also through bile. Excretion is slow and prolonged.

Half life

Highly variable, with a prolonged terminal elimination half-life ranging from 30 to 60 days.

Absorption

Rapid and almost completely absorbed orally. Peak plasma levels typically reached within 1-2 hours.

Metabolism

Partially metabolized in the liver, primarily to desethylchloroquine (active metabolite), by CYP450 enzymes.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, or any other 4-aminoquinoline compounds
Pre-existing retinal or visual field changes
Porphyria
Psoriasis (may exacerbate condition)

Drug Interactions

Cimetidine

Inhibits chloroquine metabolism, potentially increasing plasma concentrations and risk of toxicity.

Mefloquine

Co-administration may increase the risk of seizures and electrocardiographic abnormalities.

Cyclosporine

Chloroquine may increase cyclosporine plasma levels, requiring cyclosporine dosage adjustment.

Antacids (e.g., magnesium trisilicate)

May decrease the absorption of chloroquine. Administer at least 4 hours apart.

Cardiac drugs (e.g., Amiodarone, Digoxin)

Increased risk of QT prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Monitor ECG closely.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose include headache, visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting, cardiovascular collapse, convulsions, coma, and respiratory arrest. Management involves immediate gastric lavage, activated charcoal, diazepam for convulsions, and supportive care (e.g., IV fluids, vasopressors).

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy: Use with caution. Generally considered safe for malaria prophylaxis during pregnancy at standard doses. For other indications, a careful benefit-risk assessment is required. Lactation: Chloroquine is excreted in breast milk. While concentrations are low, caution is advised. Consult a doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 tablets per strip100 tablets (10 strips) per box

Shelf Life

Typically 36 months from the date of manufacture, if stored properly.

Availability

Available in pharmacies and hospitals

Approval Status

Approved by regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA, DGDA)

Patent Status

Off-patent

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Extensive clinical data is available due to chloroquine's long history of use. Ongoing research continues to explore its efficacy in various conditions and potential new applications, as well as drug resistance in malaria.

Lab Monitoring

Baseline and regular (e.g., annual) ophthalmologic examinations, especially for long-term use, to detect retinopathy.
Complete blood count (CBC) to monitor for hematological abnormalities.
Liver and kidney function tests for baseline and periodic assessment.

Doctor Notes

Emphasize the importance of baseline and annual ophthalmic screening for all patients on chronic chloroquine therapy.
Advise patients to take chloroquine with food to minimize gastrointestinal upset.
Be vigilant for signs of cardiotoxicity (e.g., ECG changes) or neurological effects, especially in patients with pre-existing conditions or high doses.

Patient Guidelines

Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Report any visual disturbances (e.g., blurred vision, difficulty reading) to your doctor immediately.
Do not stop taking the medication abruptly without consulting your doctor, especially for autoimmune conditions.
Attend all scheduled eye examinations.

Missed Dose Advice

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Driving Precautions

This medicine may cause blurred vision, dizziness, or headache. Exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.

Lifestyle Advice

Maintain good hydration while on this medication.
Avoid excessive sun exposure as chloroquine can increase sensitivity to sunlight and worsen skin reactions.