Piperaquine/dihydroartemisinin
Piperaquine/dihydroartemisinin is a combination therapy used in the treatment of malaria, a disease caused by parasites that enter the body through the bite of a mosquito. This combination therapy is part of a group of treatments known as artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), which are the standard treatment for uncomplicated malaria.
Composition
The combination therapy consists of two active ingredients: piperaquine and dihydroartemisinin. Piperaquine is a bisquinoline antimalarial drug that has been used since the 1970s. It works by interfering with the parasite's ability to break down and digest hemoglobin. Dihydroartemisinin is a derivative of artemisinin, a drug derived from the sweet wormwood plant (Artemisia annua). It is rapidly acting and kills the malaria parasites at an early stage of their development.
Usage
Piperaquine/dihydroartemisinin is used to treat uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria, the most deadly type of malaria. The combination of the two drugs is intended to improve the efficacy of treatment and delay the development of resistance by the malaria parasites. The therapy is typically administered as a three-day course, with the exact dosage depending on the patient's weight.
Side Effects
Like all medications, piperaquine/dihydroartemisinin can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Common side effects include headache, loss of appetite, and vomiting. Serious side effects are rare but can include severe allergic reactions and changes in heart rhythm.
Resistance
Resistance to antimalarial drugs is a significant concern in the fight against malaria. The use of combination therapies like piperaquine/dihydroartemisinin is one strategy to combat this. However, there have been reports of resistance to this combination therapy in some parts of the world, particularly in Southeast Asia.
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