CHLOROQUINE IN TREATMENT OF LICHEN PLANUS AND OTHER DERMATOSES

Abstract

Chloroquine phosphate, primarily an antimalarial and amebacidal drug, has been used with considerable success in the treatment of chronic discoid lupus erythematosus¹and in actinic dermatitis.²Because of its efficacy in these dermatoses, it was almost inevitable that it would be used in other dermatoses on an empirical basis. We first became interested in trying it in other dermatoses after using it with considerable benefit in a case of lichen planus. This, of course, led us to try it first in other cases of lichen planus as they became available and subsequently in a variety of unrelated dermatoses that had been treatment problems. <h3>METHOD AND RESULTS</h3> Chloroquine (Aralen) phosphate (tablets 250 mg., containing 150 mg. of chloroquine base) was prescribed to be taken orally, usually twice daily for one week, then once daily. In a few cases, the twice daily dose was continued beyond one week or was