Chloroquine: Mode of Action

Abstract

The drug chloroquine is bactericidal for Bacillus megaterium; it inhibits DNA and RNA biosynthesis and produces rapid degradation of ribosomes and dissimilation of ribosomal RNA. Inhibition of protein synthesis is also observed, evidently as a secondary effect. Inhibition of DNA replication is proposed as a general mechanism of the antimicrobial action of chloroquine.