Antimalaria Drugs
Antimalarial drugs are medications used to prevent and treat malaria, a life-threatening disease caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium, transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. There are several species of Plasmodium that cause malaria in humans, with Plasmodium falciparum being the most deadly. The choice of antimalarial drug depends on the species of the parasite, the geographical region, drug resistance patterns, and whether the drug is being used for treatment or prevention (prophylaxis).
Uses of Antimalaria Drugs
Prophylaxis: For travelers to malaria-endemic regions, drugs like chloroquine, mefloquine, doxycycline, or atovaquone-proguanil are commonly used.
Treatment: The choice of drug depends on the species of Plasmodium, the severity of the infection, and regional resistance patterns. ACTs are the preferred treatment for P. falciparum malaria.
Special Populations: Pregnant women and children may require different dosing or drug choices due to safety concerns.
Side Effects
Chloroquine: Pruritus, gastrointestinal upset, and, at high doses, retinopathy.
Quinine: Cinchonism (tinnitus, hearing loss, headache), hypoglycemia, and cardiac effects.
Mefloquine: Neuropsychiatric effects such as anxiety, vivid dreams, and depression.
Artemisinins: Generally well-tolerated but can cause nausea, dizziness, and, rarely, allergic reactions.
Doxycycline: Photosensitivity, gastrointestinal disturbances, and contraindication in pregnancy and young children.
Quinolines
These are among the oldest and most widely used antimalarial drugs. They accumulates in the parasite's food vacuole and interferes with the detoxification of heme, leading to the accumulation of toxic heme and death of the parasite.
Artemisinin and Its Derivatives:
Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are the first-line treatment for P. falciparum malaria in most parts of the world due to widespread resistance to other drugs.
Antifolates
These drugs interfere with the parasite's ability to synthesize folate, which is necessary for DNA synthesis and cell division.
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