Chloroquine is a medicine used for other conditions in the body, which can unfortunately cause serious and permanent damage to the eyes, particularly the macula.
| Drug class | Toxicity – Antimalarial |
|---|---|
| Type | Single |
| Forms | Tablet (systemic) |
| Common strength | 250 mg |
| Common Indian brands | Systemic: Lariago (a cause of toxicity, not an eye treatment) |
| Prescription status | Prescription (systemic) – eye monitoring required |
How Chloroquine affects the eyes
Chloroquine is a systemic medication, meaning it is taken by mouth and affects the whole body. It is prescribed by doctors for various conditions that are not related to the eyes. However, it is crucial to understand that while it treats other illnesses, long-term use of Chloroquine can lead to significant and irreversible damage to your vision.
- Ocular Toxicity: The most important aspect for eye health is its potential to cause a specific type of eye damage known as ‘bull’s-eye maculopathy’ when used over a long period. This is a severe side effect, not a treatment.
How it works
When a person takes Chloroquine for an extended duration, the medicine can gradually accumulate and deposit itself within the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. Specifically, it tends to affect the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision needed for reading, recognising faces, and seeing colours. This deposition can lead to permanent damage to the macula, resulting in a condition called bull’s-eye maculopathy. Once this damage occurs, it is unfortunately irreversible.
Brands available in India
- Systemic: Lariago (a cause of toxicity
- not an eye treatment)
Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.
Important safety warning
IMPORTANT: This is NOT an eye treatment. It is a medicine used for other conditions that can affect the eyes as a side effect. Never start, stop or change it on your own — do so only with the prescribing doctor. If you take it long-term, ask whether you need regular eye check-ups.
Precautions & side effects
Due to the significant risk of permanent eye damage, several critical precautions must be taken if you are prescribed Chloroquine:
- Not an Eye Treatment: It is absolutely vital to understand that Chloroquine is NOT an eye treatment. It is a medicine used for other conditions that can affect the eyes as a severe side effect.
- Doctor’s Guidance is Key: Never start, stop, or change your Chloroquine dosage on your own. Always do so only under the strict guidance and supervision of your prescribing doctor.
- Regular Eye Screening: If you are taking Chloroquine long-term, it is extremely important to ask your prescribing doctor whether you need regular eye check-ups. This is crucial for early detection of any potential eye damage.
- Baseline Eye Examination: Before starting long-term Chloroquine, you should have a baseline retinal screening. This helps your ophthalmologist understand the initial health of your eyes.
- Ongoing Retinal Monitoring: Regular retinal screening is necessary, similar to the monitoring recommended for hydroxychloroquine. This typically includes tests such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and visual field tests. These tests help detect early signs of damage to the macula and retina.
- Irreversible Damage: Be aware that any damage to the retina caused by Chloroquine is irreversible. This underscores the importance of regular monitoring to catch any changes as early as possible.
- Prescription Only: Chloroquine is a prescription-only medication. Eye monitoring is a mandatory part of its long-term use.
- Warning Level: The risk of ocular toxicity from Chloroquine is considered Critical.
Understanding Your Eyes and Medications
At Pristine Eye Hospitals, we believe in empowering our patients with knowledge. While many medications are designed to help various parts of your body, some can have unintended effects on your eyes. It’s important to understand that your eyes are delicate and complex organs, responsible for your most precious sense – sight. The retina, at the back of your eye, acts like the film in a camera, capturing light and sending signals to your brain. The macula, a small but vital part of the retina, is responsible for your sharp central vision, allowing you to read, recognise faces, and see fine details. Protecting this area is paramount for maintaining good vision throughout your life.
When you are prescribed any medication, it’s always a good practice to discuss all potential side effects with your doctor, including those that might affect your eyes. This is especially true for medications taken over a long period. Never hesitate to ask questions about your treatment plan and what you can do to safeguard your vision. Your ophthalmologist and prescribing doctor work together to ensure your overall health and eye safety.
General Advice for Eye Health and Medication Safety
Maintaining good general eye health is important for everyone. This includes eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, protecting your eyes from excessive sun exposure with UV-blocking sunglasses, and taking regular breaks from screens to reduce eye strain. If you wear contact lenses, always follow strict hygiene practices: wash your hands thoroughly before handling lenses, use fresh solution daily, and never sleep in your lenses unless specifically advised by your eye doctor. Store all eye medications and other medicines safely, out of reach of children, and at the recommended temperature. Always check the expiry date before use.
When it comes to any medication, including those that might affect your eyes, always follow your doctor’s instructions precisely. Do not share your medicines with others, and do not use medicines prescribed for someone else. If you have any doubts or concerns about your medication or its effects, contact your doctor immediately. For eye-related concerns, Pristine Eye Hospitals is here to help. We encourage regular eye check-ups, especially if you are taking medications known to have ocular side effects.
When to Seek Professional Help
It is crucial to be vigilant about any changes in your vision, especially if you are taking medications like Chloroquine. If you experience any new or worsening visual symptoms, such as blurred vision, difficulty reading, changes in your central vision, blind spots, or altered colour perception, you must contact your ophthalmologist or eye doctor at Pristine Eye Hospitals without delay. These symptoms could be early warning signs of retinal damage. Even if you don’t notice any symptoms, regular, scheduled eye examinations are essential if you are on long-term Chloroquine therapy. Early detection through advanced screening methods like OCT and visual field tests can help monitor the health of your retina and macula, allowing your doctors to make informed decisions about your treatment plan and eye care. Remember, your vision is precious, and proactive care is the best way to protect it.
Frequently asked questions
What is Chloroquine used for?
Chloroquine is a medicine used for various medical conditions in the body, but it is NOT an eye treatment. It is listed as a cause of ocular toxicity, specifically bull's-eye maculopathy, from long-term use.
How does Chloroquine affect the eyes?
Chloroquine can deposit in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye, and permanently damage the macula, which is responsible for sharp central vision. This damage is known as bull's-eye maculopathy.
What are the common Indian brands of Chloroquine?
In India, a common systemic brand of Chloroquine is Lariago. It's important to remember that this brand is a cause of toxicity and not an eye treatment.
How is Chloroquine used?
Chloroquine is taken as a tablet, typically 250 mg, for systemic use (by mouth). It is not used for the eyes. You must follow your prescribing doctor's instructions for its use for other conditions.
Do I need a prescription for Chloroquine?
Yes, Chloroquine is a prescription-only medication for systemic use. If you are prescribed it, eye monitoring is required.
What precautions should I take if I am on Chloroquine?
It is critical to understand that Chloroquine is not an eye treatment. Never start, stop, or change your dose without your prescribing doctor's advice. If you take it long-term, you need baseline and regular retinal screening, including tests like OCT and visual fields, because the damage to the eyes is irreversible.
References
- Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine-related ocular adverse events in SLE treatment: a real-world disproportionality analysis based on FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS) – PMC
- Eye health information – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Eye health – MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine)
- Learn about eye health – National Eye Institute (NIH)
- Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization
Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.
This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.