Key takeaways
Chloroquine (generic name: chloroquine) and Methotrexate (generic name: methotrexate) are both prescription medications, but they serve very different purposes. Chloroquine, an anti-malarial agent, is primarily used to prevent and treat malaria and certain parasitic infections. It is taken orally and is available as a lower-cost generic. Methotrexate, on the other hand, is an antimetabolite used to treat various types of cancer, such as leukemia and breast cancer, as well as non-cancer conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Methotrexate is administered through injections and also comes in a generic form. While chloroquine can be taken by children and pregnant women under certain conditions, methotrexate is not safe during pregnancy and requires careful monitoring due to its potential for serious side effects, including kidney and liver damage. Additionally, methotrexate can cause low blood cell counts and serious infections, whereas chloroquine's notable risks include heart rhythm problems and vision changes.
