Antimalarials

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Antimalarials

Antimalarials (pronunciation: an·ti·ma·lar·i·als) are a type of medication specifically designed to prevent or cure malaria, a disease caused by parasites transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Etymology

The term "antimalarial" is derived from the prefix "anti-" meaning against, and "malarial", pertaining to malaria. Thus, it refers to substances that work against malaria.

Types of Antimalarials

There are several types of antimalarials, including:

  • Chloroquine: This is a medication used to prevent and treat malaria in areas where malaria is known to be sensitive to its effects.
  • Mefloquine: This is used as a treatment for chloroquine-sensitive malaria. It is also used for malaria prevention.
  • Doxycycline: This is an antibiotic that can be used in combination with other drugs for malaria treatment.
  • Artemisinin: This is a medication used to treat malaria, specifically, falciparum malaria that has not responded to chloroquine treatment.

Usage

Antimalarials are used both for prevention (prophylaxis) and treatment of malaria. The choice of antimalarial is dependent on the species of Plasmodium (the parasite that causes malaria), the area of the world where the infection was acquired, and the clinical status of the patient.

Side Effects

Like all medications, antimalarials can cause side effects. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Some antimalarials can also cause more serious side effects, such as heart problems or neurological issues.

Related Terms

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