Manufacturer: Leo Pharmaceuticals
Salt Composition : Chloroquine(100mg)
Give Leoquin P EC Tablet to your child by mouth, preferably after meals to prevent an upset stomach. Do not give antacids within 4 hours of taking this medicine as they may interfere with the absorption of the medicine. Leoquin P EC Tablet can be slightly bitter. You can mix it with fruit juices to mask the bitterness. If your child vomits soon after taking Leoquin P EC Tablet, help the child calm down and repeat the same dose after half an hour. However, skip the dose if it's time for the next dose. Do not double up the dose to catch up for the missed one.
Give it as per the dose, time, and way prescribed by the doctor as that is based on factors such as your child's weight, age, clinical condition, and treatment response. Leoquin P EC Tablet may be given in higher doses for the initial one or two days followed by low doses in subsequent days. Strictly follow the dosing schedule prescribed by your child’s doctor as prolonged use of Leoquin P EC Tablet can cause serious side effects in your child.
Leoquin P EC Tablet may cause side effects such as headache, nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, upset stomach, stomach pain, rash, itching, hair loss, or increased sensitivity to light. These are usually temporary. However, if these persist, seek your doctor’s help.
Let the doctor know about your child’s complete medical history including history of any allergies and ongoing medicine regimen. The doctor must be informed about any previous complications related to liver, kidney, brain, heart, muscle weakness, genetic problems, blood cell abnormalities, or ear and eye problems. This information plays a critical role in planning your child’s overall treatment.
The drug chloroquine is bactericidal for Bacillus megaterium; it inhibits DNA and RNA biosynthesis and produces rapid degradation of ribosomes and dissimilation of ribosomal RNA. Inhibition of protein synthesis is also observed, evidently as a secondary effect.
Chloroquine is predominantly eliminated in the urine. 50% of a dose is recovered in the urine as unchanged chloroquine, with 10% of the dose recovered in the urine as desethylchloroquine. The half life of chloroquine is 20-60 days. Chloroquine has a total plasma clearance of 0.35-1L/h/kg.
Leoquin P EC Tablet does not pose serious side effects and is well-tolerated by children. In case the side effects do occur, they’re likely to subside once the body adapts to the medicine. Consult your child’s doctor if these side effects persist or bother your child. The most common side effects include-
Common side effects of Leoquin P EC
Upset stomach
Photosensitivity
Rash
Headache
Dizziness
Vomiting
Nausea
Stomach pain
Loss of appetite
Diarrhea
Chloroquine should not be used in patients with retinal or vision changes unless treating acute malaria. Chloroquine is also contraindicated in patients who suffer from a known hydroxychloroquine sensitivity.
Malaria (Vivax malaria)
Amoebic liver abscess.
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)
Porphyria.
Systemic lupus erythematosus.
Discoid lupus erythematosus.
Polymorphic light eruptions.
Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Some products that may interact with this drug are: mefloquine, penicillamine, remdesivir. Many drugs besides chloroquine may affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). Some examples are amiodarone, azithromycin, disopyramide, dronedarone, pimozide, quinidine, among others.
Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Leoquin P EC Tablet is to be taken with food.
Store below 30°C
Do not panic. Unless your doctor has advised a specific regime for your child, you can give the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it’s almost time for the next dose. Do not give the double dose and follow the prescribed dosing schedule.
Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
Take Leoquin P EC Tablet with food to decrease the risk of stomach upset.
Leoquin P EC Tablet may make your child sensitive to sunlight. Take special care and use protective gear when your child is outdoors.
Some self-care measures:
Use of mosquito repellent creams, liquids, coils, mats, etc.
Do not let water accumulate in the house as it may lead to mosquito breeding. Instead, you can put a small amount of Kerosene oil in the water. This floating oil helps to trap and kill mosquito larvae and dramatically reduce mosquito breeding.
Screen the houses with wire mesh.
Use bed nets at home while sleeping.
Wear clothes that cover the maximum surface area of the body.
Avoid spraying insect repellents on children. Lower their evening and night-time outdoor activity.
When used long-term, the doctor may monitor the amounts of the different types of blood cells in your child’s blood regularly. Inform your doctor if you notice unexplained bruising or bleeding, sore throat, fever, or a general feeling of tiredness in your child.
Consult your doctor immediately if your child exhibits serious side effects such as rash, swollen glands, problems with body organs like liver, kidney, or heart.
Keep Leoquin P EC Tablet away from children. Accidental exposure may cause serious events. If a child takes this medicine by accident, get medical help right away.
If your child develops a fever while in or after leaving a high-risk area, call the doctor right away.
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Leoquin P EC Tablet is to be taken with food.
Q. What lab test can be done to identify malaria in my child?
Your child needs to undergo laboratory tests such as complete blood count, blood smear test, or malaria rapid diagnostic test for the diagnosis of malaria.
Q. My child is having a genetic deficiency of the G-6-PD enzyme. Is it safe to give Leoquin P EC Tablet?
Children with G-6-PD enzyme deficiency should avoid Leoquin P EC Tablet. The deficiency of this enzyme in the body can lead to the breaking of blood cells, resulting in severe anemia. It is advised that you get your child’s enzyme level evaluated before starting the course of treatment.
Q. Can other medicines be given at the same time as Leoquin P EC Tablet?
Leoquin P EC Tablet may interact with other medicines or substances. Therefore, it would be advised to inform your doctor about any other medicines your child is taking before starting Leoquin P EC Tablet.
Q. How should Leoquin P EC Tablet be stored?
Leoquin P EC Tablet should be stored at room temperature in a dry place, away from direct heat and light. Also, keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children to avoid any mishap.
