The pharmacokinetics and electrocardiographic effects of chloroquine in healthy subjects

Trop Med Parasitol. 1994 Jun;45(2):83-6.

Abstract

Chloroquine prophylaxis was administered to 3 healthy male volunteers at 100 mg base/day for 25 days, followed by the curative dose at 25 mg base/kg for 3 days. Subjects attained effective chloroquine (mean = 50 micrograms/l) and desethylchloroquine (mean = 17 micrograms/l) concentrations by the 3rd week of prophylaxis, underlining the need to start chloroquine prophylaxis two weeks before travel. On the second day of the treatment period, hourly electrocardiographic monitoring showed a diminution of the T wave and prolongation of the QTc interval, manifesting cumulatively during the 3 days' curative dose, but with no cardiac symptoms. A dose-dependent cumulative effect of chloroquine was demonstrated with higher blood concentrations during the treatment period. Electrocardiographic readings spontaneously normalized after the treatment period as drug concentrations diminished progressively.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chloroquine / adverse effects
  • Chloroquine / analogs & derivatives
  • Chloroquine / blood
  • Chloroquine / pharmacokinetics*
  • Chloroquine / pharmacology*
  • Electrocardiography / drug effects*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Heart / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Male

Substances

  • Chloroquine
  • desethylchloroquine