In the pharmaceutical industry, Chloroquine Phosphate 250 mg (equivalent to 150 mg of Chloroquine base) is a 4-aminoquinoline derivative that has served as a foundational antimalarial and amebicidal agent for decades. As a pharmacist, I characterize Chloroquine as a high-volume essential medicine that remains a first-line choice in regions where parasite sensitivity is still maintained.

Primary Clinical Uses

• Prophylaxis and Treatment of Malaria: Indicated for the prevention and treatment of acute attacks of malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale, and susceptible strains of P. falciparum.

• Extra-intestinal Amebiasis: Specifically used to treat amebic liver abscesses caused by Entamoeba histolytica when other treatments are not suitable.

• Autoimmune Disorders: Frequently used off-label or as a secondary therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) due to its mild immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties.

Mechanism of Action

Chloroquine acts as a blood schizontocide. It enters the malaria parasite’s acidic food vacuole and inhibits the enzyme heme polymerase.

Normally, the parasite digests host hemoglobin and releases toxic free heme, which it then detoxifies into non-toxic hemozoin (malaria pigment). Chloroquine prevents this detoxification; the resulting accumulation of free heme is highly toxic, leading to the rapid lysis and death of the parasite.

The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Formulation & Export

From a manufacturing and global trade standpoint, Chloroquine Phosphate is a staple of high-capacity production:

• API Purity & Standardization: As a WHO-GMP manufacturer, we ensure the API meets BP/USP/IP monographs, specifically monitoring for related substances and heavy metals to ensure long-term safety in chronic users.

• Stability for Global Trade: Chloroquine is a robust molecule. We utilize PVC/PVDC or Alu-Alu blister packaging to ensure a stable 36-month shelf life, facilitating bulk exports to Zone IVb climates (Africa, SE Asia).

• Volume and Tender Supply: Due to its cost-effective profile, Chloroquine 250 mg is a high-volume item for government health tenders and B2B distributors. Our Mumbai-based facility is optimized for the scale required for these large-scale international contracts.

• Dossier Support: We provide comprehensive CTD/eCTD Dossiers to assist international partners in the registration process, ensuring compliance with global regulatory standards.