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Arechin is a drug that not only has antiprotozoal but also anti-inflammatory properties. It is used in drug therapy in the course of malaria, amoebiasis, liver abscess and diagnosed with lupus erythematosus. Can Arechin be taken by everyone? What is the dosage of the drug?
Arechin – composition
What does Arechin contain? The active substance of the drug is chloroquine phosphate, which is effective against such protozoa as: Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium malariae. Arechin is also used in the treatment of dysentery, it is also an anti-inflammatory drug.
Arechin – application
Arechin is a drug taken by travelers because it is taken by people who go to places with an increased risk of contracting malaria. In the proper treatment, Arechin should be taken preventively one week before the planned departure or on the day of departure. It is worth taking the right dose during the trip and for about 4 weeks after returning. Arechin is not only used in the prevention of malaria, it is the main drug in the treatment when you get sick.
In diagnosed liver abscess and amoebiasis, Arechin is a drug administered in the second stage, when metronidazole does not prove to be effective or when the patient does not have access to it at the moment. Of course, the dosage may be modified depending on the actual condition of the patient. Arechin is also used to treat lupus erythematosus. The treatment may last several weeks, but most often the doctor decides on a longer course of several months.
In extreme cases of this disease, Arechin may turn out to be an ineffective solution, the doctor should order the discontinuation of the drug, which unfortunately results in the relapse of the disease. The patient returns to the treatment if there are no contraindications for this on the part of the ophthalmologist. Arechin has anti-inflammatory properties, therefore it is a drug supporting the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
See also: Malaria is a real threat to travelers
Arechin – contraindications
As with any pharmacological treatment, Arechin cannot be taken by everyone. One of the contraindications is the patient’s allergy to chloroquine phosphate. Another contraindication is changes in the field of vision or in the retina. Arechin is not recommended for people who have been diagnosed with acute renal failure.
The drug is not recommended for people suffering from gastrointestinal disorders, Arechin should not be used by patients with epilepsy or taking anticonvulsants (chloroquine contained in the preparation may cause seizures). The pharmaceutical is not recommended for those who have chronic skin problems, e.g. those suffering from skin psoriasis, as well as those suffering from porphyria and myasthenia gravis (chloroquine contained in the preparation may exacerbate these diseases).
Arechin cannot be given to children, the optimal age for including the drug in the treatment is 14 years of age. Arechin is recommended to be taken after a meal. It is very important that each patient taking Arechin read the package leaflet of the drug. In patients with urological problems, the doctor will prescribe lower doses of the drug, while in patients with liver taking Arechin, special care should be taken and in case of disturbing symptoms, it is necessary to consult the attending physician.
In every patient who takes Arechin, constant blood monitoring is necessary. Arechin can lower blood glucose levels and therefore blood glucose control is required.
In all patients who take Arechin for more than six months, constant neurological consultations are required, because longer use of the drug has a negative effect on muscle tone. It is also important that during longer use, a full ophthalmological examination is carried out every 3 months due to the risk of damage to the retina (retinopathy). If abnormalities are found, treatment must be stopped immediately. During long-term use of Arechin, sunlight and exposure to UV rays should be avoided.
See also: Antimalarial drug to treat COVID-19? French scientists are looking for answers
Arechin – side effects
Arechin can cause side effects such as:
- headache, thoughts of suicide;
- pressure drops, changes in the work of the heart;
- convulsions, seizures, changes in mood and behavior (such as psychosis, restlessness, mania, anxiety)
- anemia, bone marrow suppression, changes in blood tests (including thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis, decrease in white blood cells, decrease in neutrophil count), haemolysis in people with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency;
- a decrease in blood glucose levels;
- eye disorders – blurred or double vision, visual field disturbances, partial or complete loss of vision, impaired eye accommodation, changes in the retina of the eye (retinopathy) or in the cornea;
- hearing disorders – deafness of the nervous type, tinnitus, hearing loss in people with pre-existing hearing impairment;
- gastrointestinal disorders, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, colic, anorexia;
- graying, alopecia, discoloration (of the skin, mucous membranes or nails), itching, hives, rash, erythema multiforme, allergic skin reactions, lichen planus lesions, psoriasis flare, severe skin reactions (e.g. Stevens-Johnson syndrome), toxic necrosis loose epidermis;
- neuromyopathy and myopathy;
- photosensitivity, allergic and anaphylactic reactions (including urticaria, angioedema).
It should also be added that Arechin may affect psychomotor performance, i.e. also the ability to drive and use machines. While performing activities that require maintaining psychophysical fitness, the patient should exercise particular caution.
Arechin and pregnancy
Arechin can be used in pregnant women only if the doctor decides that the benefits for the patient outweigh the risks for the fetus. At the same time, pregnant women are advised not to travel to places with a high risk of malaria infection, and if necessary, short-term prophylaxis with chloroquine is recommended. Long-term use of Arechin in high doses may cause damage to the eyesight and hearing in the fetus.
See also: Fetal development stages – the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy
Arechin and breastfeeding
The active substance in Arechin passes into breast milk. When using Arechin in rheumatic diseases, breastfeeding is not recommended, as this is due to too high a dose of chloroquine. On the other hand, in the case of using the drug in the prevention of malaria (malaria), the dose is so small that its presence in the mother’s milk will not harm the baby, but also will not allow for effective prophylaxis.
Arechin – interactions with other drugs
It is recommended to inform the physician about all medications used by the patient now or recently, as well as about medications that the patient plans to use. Arechin can interact with: chloroquine, penicillamine, praziquantel, aluminum salts, calcium salts, magnesium salts, amiodarone, digoxin, neostigmine, pyridostigmine.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.