What is the most important information I should know about Aralen?

• Use caution when driving or performing other hazardous activities until you know how this medication affects you. Aralen may cause visual disturbances such as blurred vision, misty vision, and difficulty focusing. Report any vision or hearing changes to your doctor.

What is Aralen?

• Aralen is an antimalarial drug. The exact way that Aralen works is unknown.
• Aralen is used to treat and to prevent malaria. Aralen is also used to treat infections caused by amoebae.
• Aralen may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Aralen?

• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
  • had a previous allergic reaction to Aralen;
  • glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency;
  • psoriasis;
  • porphyria; or
  • liver disease.
• You may not be able to take Aralen, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your therapy if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• It is not known whether Aralen will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Aralen without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• It is not known how Aralen will affect a nursing infant. Do not take Aralen without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Aralen?

• Take Aralen exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Take Aralen with food to lessen stomach upset.
• It is important to take Aralen regularly to get the most benefit.
• Store Aralen at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
• Symptoms of a Aralen overdose include headache, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, visual changes, seizures, difficulty breathing, and unconsciousness.

What should I avoid while taking Aralen?

• Use caution when driving or performing other hazardous activities until you know how this medication affects you. Aralen may cause visual disturbances such as blurred vision, misty vision, and difficulty focusing. Report any vision or hearing changes to your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of Aralen?

• Stop taking Aralen and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (flushing; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; vision problems; rash; itching; or fever).
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Aralen and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • visual disturbances such as blurred vision, misty vision, and difficulty focusing;
  • hearing loss or ringing in the ears;
  • diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain or upset, vomiting, or loss of appetite;
  • muscle weakness; or
  • a rash.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Aralen?

• Cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB) may increase the effects of Aralen, which could lead to toxicity. Do not take cimetidine without first talking to your doctor.
• Kaolin and magnesium trisilicate may decrease the effects of Aralen. These ingredients can be found in products such as Kaopectate Advanced Formula, Parepectolin, K-Pek, K-C, Kaodene Non-Narcotic, Kao-Spen, Gaviscon, and others.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Aralen. Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, without frist talking to your doctor.