Drugs Used in the Treatment of Malaria!

#antimalarial #drug #prevention #education #RBC #medicine #chloroquine

Antimalarial drugs are crucial in treating and preventing malaria. They work by killing the malaria parasite in red blood cells. Various drugs used for both treatment and prevention of malaria are:

1. **Atovaquone/Proguanil:** This drug works by blocking the parasite's ability to make energy, which kills the parasite.

- Dose: Adults: 1 tablet daily; Children: Dosage based on weight.
- Side Effects: Generally well-tolerated; potential side effects include abdominal pain, nausea, and headache.

2. Chloroquine: This drug prevents the parasite from getting rid of a waste product called heme, which kills the parasite.

- Dose: Adults: 300 mg base once a week; Children: Dosage based on weight.
- Side Effects: Can cause itching, hair loss, and muscle weakness.

3. **Doxycycline:** This drug stops the parasite from making proteins, which kills the parasite.

- Dose: Adults: 100 mg daily; Children: Dosage based on weight.
- Side Effects: May cause photosensitivity, gastrointestinal upset, and yeast infections.

4. **Mefloquine:** This drug interferes with the parasite's ability to use heme, which kills the parasite.

Dose: Weekly dosage based on weight.

Side Effects: Can lead to neuropsychiatric effects like vivid dreams and dizziness.

5. **Primaquine:** This drug prevents the parasite from making new DNA, which kills the parasite.

- Dose: Adults: 30 mg daily.
- Side Effects: Potential side effects include hemolysis in patients with G6PD deficiency.

Disclaimer:-This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment.Do not ignore or delay professional medical advice based on anything you have seen or read on Medwiki.