Antimalarial drug
Antimalarial drug
Antimalarial drugs (pronunciation: an·ti·ma·lar·i·al drugs) are a type of pharmaceutical drug used for the prevention and treatment of malaria, a disease caused by parasites that enter the body through the bite of a mosquito.
Etymology
The term "antimalarial" is derived from the prefix "anti-" meaning against, and "malarial", pertaining to malaria.
Types of Antimalarial Drugs
There are several types of antimalarial drugs, including:
- Chloroquine: This is a synthetic drug introduced in the 1940s. It is primarily used in the treatment and prophylaxis of uncomplicated malaria.
- Artemisinin: Artemisinin and its derivatives are a new class of antimalarials derived from the sweet wormwood plant, Artemisia annua.
- Quinine: Quinine is a natural product derived from the bark of the cinchona tree. It has been used for centuries in the treatment of malaria.
- Mefloquine: Mefloquine is a synthetic drug that is effective against several forms of malaria.
- Doxycycline: Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that is also used as an antimalarial.
Mechanism of Action
Antimalarial drugs work by killing the malaria parasite at different stages of its life cycle. Some drugs like chloroquine and quinine work by inhibiting the parasite's ability to break down hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells. Others like artemisinin work by producing free radicals that damage the parasite's cells.
Side Effects
Like all drugs, antimalarial drugs can have side effects. These can range from mild effects like nausea and dizziness to more serious effects like hallucinations and severe skin reactions. It is important to discuss these potential side effects with a healthcare provider before starting treatment.
Related Terms
- Prophylaxis: The prevention of disease.
- Parasite: An organism that lives in or on another organism (its host) and benefits by deriving nutrients at the host's expense.
- Hemoglobin: A red protein responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood of vertebrates.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Antimalarial drug
- Wikipedia's article - Antimalarial drug
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