When you hear chloroquine, a synthetic antimalarial drug developed in the 1930s and once the go-to treatment for malaria worldwide. Also known as CQ, it was the standard defense against malaria for decades before resistance made it less reliable in many regions. Today, it’s still prescribed in certain cases—especially where newer drugs aren’t available—but its use has expanded beyond malaria to include autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Chloroquine works by interfering with how parasites break down hemoglobin in red blood cells. In autoimmune diseases, it helps calm overactive immune responses. But it’s not a gentle drug. Side effects can include vision damage with long-term use, heart rhythm problems, and serious reactions in people with liver or kidney issues. That’s why it’s never an over-the-counter option. You need a doctor to monitor you closely, especially if you’re taking it for months or years.
Related to chloroquine is hydroxychloroquine, a slightly modified version with a better safety profile, often preferred for autoimmune conditions. Also known as Plaquenil, it’s the drug most people think of today when discussing long-term immune system use. Then there’s quinine, a natural compound from cinchona bark that inspired chloroquine’s creation. It’s still used in rare cases of severe malaria but is mostly replaced now due to its harsh side effects.
Chloroquine doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s part of a larger family of antimalarials and immune modulators. If resistance or side effects rule it out, doctors turn to alternatives like artemisinin-based combos, atovaquone, or mefloquine for malaria. For autoimmune use, methotrexate or sulfasalazine might be better choices. Even though chloroquine is cheap and widely available, it’s not always the best fit. Many patients today are switched to safer or more targeted drugs—especially after the hype around it during the pandemic, which led to misuse and serious health risks.
You’ll find posts here that dig into how chloroquine fits into real-world treatment plans, what doctors actually recommend today, and how it compares to other drugs used for similar conditions. Some articles look at its role in palliative care, others compare it with newer options, and a few warn about the dangers of self-medicating. This isn’t a list of miracle cures—it’s a clear-eyed look at where chloroquine still matters, where it’s outdated, and what you should ask your doctor before taking it.
Hydroxychloroquine (Hsquin) is no longer the first choice for lupus or arthritis. Learn about safer, more effective alternatives like methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and biologics - and when to switch.
