17/10/2025
Chloroquine, once a common and trusted antimalarial drug, has always sparked mixed reactions among people.
For some, it was a routine part of malaria treatment.
a bitter tablet that symbolized both sickness and recovery. But for others, it became a dreaded medicine because of the unpleasant reactions it caused.
Many who took chloroquine experienced intense itching, rashes, or dizziness shortly after use. The itching, in particular, was so unbearable that people often joked, “I’d rather have malaria than take chloroquine.”
These reactions happen because chloroquine interacts with the body in unique ways. The drug tends to accumulate in the skin and can trigger the release of histamine, a chemical responsible for itching. This effect is more common in people with darker skin because chloroquine binds strongly to melanin, the pigment in the skin, leading to irritation and that familiar crawling sensation. It’s not usually an allergy, but rather a sensitivity caused by how the body processes the drug.
The injection form of chloroquine was no better. Many still remember the deep burning pain that followed every shot. This happens because chloroquine is alkaline and irritant, and when injected into muscle, it causes local tissue inflammation that leaves a lasting sting. Despite the discomfort, the drug was widely used for decades because of its effectiveness against malaria.
Over time, as newer and safer antimalarial drugs emerged, chloroquine gradually disappeared from hospitals and pharmacies. Yet, its memory remains strong.
For many, the mention of chloroquine still brings a mix of nostalgia and unease, a reminder of the days when malaria treatment came with a sting, a scratch, and a story worth telling.
