Dr. Ajay Kumar. MBBS, MD , Psychiatry, General Physician, Infectious Disease, Sexology, Internal Medicine, Venereology, Diabetology

Yes, Malaquin can affect blood sugar levels. It has been reported to lower the blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). So, if you have diabetes keep a check on your blood sugar levels and in case if you feel lightheadedness, shaking or increased heartbeat after taking this drug then drink a glass of fruit juice, eat candies to restore your blood sugar levels and report to your doctor.

Dr. Chinmaya Bal MBBS , General Physician

Malaquin is a brand name of chloroquine and it comes in the form of a tablet, capsule, injection, and oral suspension. It belongs to the class of drugs known as antimalarials which have amebicidal activity. It is a prescription drug that is used in the treatment of malaria which is a vector-borne infectious disease caused by parasites Plasmodium species. These are Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium vivax. Apart from this Malaquin is also used in the treatment of extraintestinal amebiasis which is the protozoal infection caused by parasite Entamoeba histolytica. It is also used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) both are autoimmune diseases which causes inflammation and pain. Malaquin is also used off-label for the treatment of porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) a blood disorder that affects the skin.

Dr Anjum Mujawar MBBS, MBBS , Emergency Medicine

Yes, Malaquin is helpful in lupus or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is used in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) as well as rheumatoid arthritis. Malaquin works in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by suppressing the immune system which provides relief to the patient from pain and inflammation. However, the exact mechanism how Malaquin works in these autoimmune diseases is still unknown.

Dr. Roshni Poonja MBBS , General Physician, Internal Medicine

Rarely, Malaquin causes hair loss (alopecia). This problem goes away after discontinuation of this drug. For partial hair loss, you are advised to use hair tonic and discuss with the doctor for best possible treatment to hair loss.

Dr. Chinmaya Bal MBBS , General Physician

Yes, Malaquin is used to prevent and treat malaria caused by parasites (Plasmodium species). Malaquin works by increasing pH in the acid vesicles of parasite which interferes in the parasite's ability to break down and digest hemoglobin. Malarial parasites need hemoglobin for growth and survival, this results in starvation and death of parasites. Hence in this way, it prevents us from malaria.