Chloroquine-Induced Psychosis: A Case Report.

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Tropical Medicine
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Antimalarial drugs, including chloroquine, are frequently prescribed for travel prophylaxis in malaria-endemic regions.
• Chloroquine remains a common recommendation for malaria prevention, often used alone or in combination therapies.

Observation:

• A 30-year-old Asian male developed psychotic symptoms shortly after initiating a weekly prophylactic dose of 500 mg chloroquine.
• The patient's adverse reaction occurred despite adhering to the recommended prophylactic regimen.

Findings:

• The case demonstrates a potential link between prophylactic chloroquine use and the onset of psychosis.
• Neuropsychiatric adverse effects, such as psychosis, are recognized but serious complications of chloroquine therapy.

Implications:

• Clinicians should exercise caution when prescribing chloroquine for malaria prophylaxis, particularly at the initiation of treatment.
• Patients should be closely monitored for neuropsychiatric side effects, even when using the lowest effective prophylactic dosage.
• Further research into the neurotoxic potential of antimalarials is warranted to ensure patient safety.