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Key Facts
- Drug Class
- Antimalarial (Aminoquinoline)
- Prescription
- Over the counter
- NAFDAC Status
- NAFDAC Registered
- Forms
- Tablet, Syrup, Injection
- Price Range
- ₦200 - ₦1,500
- WHO Essential
- Yes
What is Chloroquine?
Chloroquine is one of the oldest and historically most important antimalarial drugs in the world. For decades, it was the backbone of malaria treatment and prevention across Africa, including Nigeria, where it was cheap, widely available, and effective. Many Nigerians who grew up in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s will remember chloroquine as the bitter-tasting malaria medicine that was a household staple. However, the story of chloroquine in Nigeria is also a cautionary tale about drug resistance. Due to decades of widespread and often inappropriate use, the Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite that is most common in Nigeria developed extensive resistance to chloroquine, rendering it largely ineffective for treating the most dangerous form of malaria in the country.
Because of this resistance, the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health officially changed its malaria treatment policy in 2005, removing chloroquine as the recommended first-line treatment and replacing it with Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs) like Artemether-Lumefantrine. Despite this policy change, chloroquine remained available in many markets and medicine stores across Nigeria for years, and some people continued to use it out of habit, cost considerations, or lack of awareness. It is critically important for Nigerians to understand that chloroquine is no longer effective against the type of malaria most commonly found in Nigeria. Using chloroquine to treat Plasmodium falciparum malaria can delay proper treatment and lead to severe malaria or death.
That said, chloroquine is not entirely obsolete. It remains effective against Plasmodium vivax malaria, which is less common in Nigeria but found in some parts of the country and other regions of the world. Additionally, chloroquine has found new life as a treatment for autoimmune conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis, where it is used to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms. It is also on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines for these non-malaria uses. If you have been diagnosed with malaria in Nigeria, please use the recommended ACT drugs instead of chloroquine.
What is Chloroquine used for?
In Nigeria, Chloroquine is commonly used for:
- Treatment of Plasmodium vivax malaria (NOT for P. falciparum, which is most common in Nigeria)
- Treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
- Treatment of amoebic liver abscess (as an adjunct)
- No longer recommended for prevention or treatment of P. falciparum malaria in Nigeria due to widespread resistance
Dosage
IMPORTANT
Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions. The information below is for general reference only.
Adults
For P. vivax malaria: 600mg (base) initially, then 300mg after 6-8 hours, then 300mg daily for 2 more days (total 1,500mg base over 3 days). Note: 250mg chloroquine phosphate tablet contains approximately 150mg chloroquine base. For lupus/rheumatoid arthritis: 250mg daily or as prescribed by a specialist.
Children
For P. vivax malaria: 10mg base/kg initially, then 5mg base/kg at 6-8 hours, then 5mg base/kg daily for 2 more days. The syrup formulation (100mg/5ml) is easier to dose in children. Do NOT use for P. falciparum malaria in Nigerian children. Use ACTs instead.
Elderly
Same dosing as adults but use with caution. Elderly patients are more susceptible to chloroquine toxicity, particularly retinal (eye) toxicity and cardiac effects. Lower doses may be needed for those with reduced kidney function.
IMPORTANT: Chloroquine is NO LONGER recommended for treating Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Nigeria due to widespread resistance. If you have malaria symptoms such as fever, headache, and body pain, use an ACT like Artemether-Lumefantrine (Coartem/Lonart) instead. Chloroquine has a narrow margin of safety, and overdose can be rapidly fatal, especially in children. Keep out of reach of children at all times.
Side Effects
Common side effects
- •Bitter taste in the mouth
- •Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
- •Abdominal cramps and diarrhoea
- •Headache and dizziness
- •Itching and skin rash (pruritus, particularly common in dark-skinned individuals)
- •Blurred vision
- •Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Serious side effects — seek medical help immediately
- Retinal toxicity (damage to the eye, especially with long-term use)
- Cardiac arrhythmias and heart block (can be fatal in overdose)
- Severe hypotension (dangerously low blood pressure)
- Seizures and convulsions
- Bone marrow suppression (aplastic anaemia, agranulocytosis)
- Psychosis and neuropsychiatric effects
- Myopathy (muscle weakness) with chronic use
- Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)
When to see a doctor
Seek immediate medical attention if you or anyone experiences signs of overdose such as drowsiness, visual disturbances, seizures, difficulty breathing, or collapse after taking chloroquine. Chloroquine overdose is a medical emergency and can be fatal within hours. Also see a doctor if you develop severe itching, changes in vision, irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, or mood changes while taking chloroquine. If using chloroquine long-term for lupus or arthritis, have regular eye examinations at least every 6-12 months.
Warnings & Precautions
Do not take Chloroquine if you have:
- Known hypersensitivity to chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine
- Pre-existing retinal or visual field changes attributable to 4-aminoquinoline compounds
- Patients with known epilepsy or seizure disorders (lowers seizure threshold)
- Patients with myasthenia gravis
- Patients with porphyria
- Severe hepatic (liver) impairment
Drug interactions
- •Antacids and kaolin: reduce chloroquine absorption (take 4 hours apart)
- •Mefloquine: increased risk of seizures when combined
- •Digoxin: chloroquine increases digoxin levels, risk of toxicity
- •Ampicillin: chloroquine may reduce absorption of ampicillin
- •Cimetidine: increases chloroquine levels
- •Anti-epileptic drugs: chloroquine may reduce their effectiveness
- •QT-prolonging drugs: additive risk of dangerous heart rhythm abnormalities
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Chloroquine is generally considered safe in pregnancy for the treatment of P. vivax malaria and for autoimmune conditions, and has a long track record of use. However, it must not be used for P. falciparum malaria in pregnancy in Nigeria due to resistance. For malaria in pregnancy in Nigeria, use ACTs (in second and third trimesters) or quinine (in first trimester) as recommended. Chloroquine passes into breast milk in small amounts but is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding. Consult your doctor before use.
NAFDAC-Registered Brands of Chloroquine in Nigeria
3 brands registered with NAFDAC as of 2026-02-01.
| Brand Name | Manufacturer | Strength | Form | NAFDAC Reg. No. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chloroquine | Emzor Pharmaceuticals | 250mg | Tablet | A4-0234 |
| Nivaquine | Sanofi | 250mg, 100mg/5ml | Tablet | A4-1123 |
| Malarivon | Evans Medical | 250mg, 100mg/5ml | Tablet | A4-3345 |
How to Verify Your Chloroquine is Genuine
- 1Check for the NAFDAC registration number on the packaging. Legitimate brands include Emzor Chloroquine (A4-0234), Nivaquine (A4-1123), and Malarivon (A4-3345). Verify the number on the NAFDAC website.
- 2Scratch the Mobile Authentication Service (MAS) panel if present and send the code via SMS to confirm the product is genuine.
- 3Buy only from licensed pharmacies or patent medicine stores. Chloroquine is one of the most commonly counterfeited drugs in Nigeria due to its long history and low cost.
- 4Inspect the tablets for consistent colour, shape, and size. Chloroquine tablets are typically white or slightly off-white. Any unusual colour or crumbling may indicate a fake product.
- 5Check expiry dates carefully. Because chloroquine use for malaria has declined significantly, some stocks in circulation may be expired. Never use expired medication.
Chloroquine Price in Nigeria
Chloroquine prices in Nigeria typically range from ₦200 to ₦1,500 per pack, depending on the brand, strength, and where you buy it.
₦200 – ₦1,500
per pack
Prices vary by location and vendor. Last updated: 2026-02-01
Where to Buy
Purchase Chloroquine only from licensed pharmacies and verified distributors. Avoid buying medicines from unverified sources, roadside vendors, or unregistered market stalls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- •NAFDAC Greenbook — National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control registered products database
- •WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (23rd List, 2023)
- •British National Formulary (BNF)
- •Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines