title: Palate hyperpigmentation caused by prolonged use of the anti-malarial chloroquine.
abstract: The side-effects of many drugs manifest in the oral mucosa. The anti-malarial agent chloroquine diphosphate, which is also used to treat immunological, dermatological, and rheumatological disorders, usually causes pigmentary changes in the oral mucosa. This report presents a case of palate pigmentation related to the prolonged use of chloroquine diphosphate caused by the deposition of drug metabolites in the mucosa. Healthcare professionals must be aware of these drugs and their adverse effects in order to make the correct diagnosis, decide on the optimal treatment for the condition, or refer the patient to an appropriate specialist.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dentistry, State University of Montes Claros, Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
authors.forename: Mário Rodrigues
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: de Melo Filho
authors.forename: Célsia Adriane Dias
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: da Silva
authors.forename: Maurício
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: da Rocha Dourado
authors.forename: Maria Betânia
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: de Oliveira Pires
authors.forename: Sabina Pena Borges
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Pêgo
authors.forename: Edmilson Martins
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: de Freitas
mesh_terms: D000962:Antimalarials / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002738:Chloroquine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects*; D021362:Palate, Hard / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D000962:Antimalarials; D002738:Chloroquine