[Complications in chloroquin therapy]

Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are widely used in diseases of connective tissue, especially in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. However, various side effects are reported in many publications. In general these side effects are less important, e.g. those on the gastrointestinal tract and drug exanthema. Disorders of the haemopoetic system, the central nervous system, and peripheral neuromyopathy are rare. Only few reports exist about fetal damage. In contrary, severe problems result from eye complications such as reversible keratopathy and mostly irreversible retinopathy. If, however, chloroquine is administered, the necessity of exakt dosage and periodic ophthalmologic controls has to be stressed.