Amodiaquine
Amodiaquine is an antimalarial medication used primarily to treat infections caused by Plasmodium falciparum and other Plasmodium species. It belongs to the aminoquinoline class of drugs and has been utilized both for treatment and prevention of malaria, often in combination with other antimalarial agents.
Amodiaquine is an antimalarial drug used to treat and prevent malaria caused by Plasmodium parasites.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- P01BA06
- RxNorm
- 720
- Generic
- Amodiaquine
- Class
- atc-p01
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimesteruse under medical supervision
may be used when benefits outweigh risks in second and third trimester for malaria treatment
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno specific adjustment
use with caution - drug excreted in breast milk
monitor infant for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 5weight-based dosing required
use under medical supervision - appropriate for pediatric malaria treatment
close monitoring of weight and response
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyconsider renal and hepatic function
use with caution due to potential age-related organ function decline
monitor renal and hepatic function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentdose reduction recommended
use with caution - consider dose reduction in severe impairment
monitor renal function and drug levels if available
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentuse with caution - dose adjustment may be needed
use under close medical supervision in hepatic impairment
monitor hepatic function and clinical response
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information for antimalarial use
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Amodiaquine is used for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum and other Plasmodium species. It has also been employed for malaria prophylaxis in certain regions, though its use is often reserved for combination therapies to improve efficacy and reduce resistance development.
Amodiaquine interferes with the growth and reproduction of malaria parasites within red blood cells. It accumulates in the acidic food vacuoles of the parasite, where it inhibits heme polymerase enzyme, leading to toxic accumulation of heme and eventual parasite death.
Amodiaquine may cause serious side effects including hepatotoxicity, blood disorders, and gastrointestinal symptoms. It should be used under medical supervision, and resistance has been reported in some areas. This medication is often administered in fixed-dose combinations with other antimalarials to enhance effectiveness and minimize resistance.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy