Antimalarial drug

Antimalarial drug refers to a type of pharmaceutical drug used in the prevention and treatment of malaria, a disease caused by parasites that enter the body through the bites of infected mosquitoes.

History

The history of antimalarial drugs dates back to the 17th century when the quinine was isolated from the bark of the Cinchona tree. This was the first effective treatment for malaria. In the 20th century, synthetic antimalarials such as chloroquine and mefloquine were developed.

Types of Antimalarial Drugs

There are several types of antimalarial drugs, including:

• Quinine and related agents: These are the oldest class of antimalarial drugs. They work by killing the malaria parasites in the blood.

• Chloroquine: This is a synthetic drug that is effective against the Plasmodium falciparum parasite. However, resistance to this drug has developed in many parts of the world.

• Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs): These are currently the most effective antimalarial drugs. They combine an artemisinin derivative with another antimalarial drug.

• Antifolate antimalarial drugs: These drugs, such as pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine, inhibit the growth of the malaria parasite by blocking the synthesis of its DNA.

Mechanism of Action

Antimalarial drugs work by interfering with the growth and reproduction of the malaria parasites. The exact mechanism of action varies depending on the specific drug. For example, quinine and related agents interfere with the parasite's ability to break down and digest hemoglobin. Chloroquine works by accumulating inside the parasite and interfering with its digestive system.

Resistance

Drug resistance is a major challenge in the treatment of malaria. Resistance to antimalarial drugs has emerged in all classes of antimalarials. The development of resistance is driven by the high levels of drug use and the biological characteristics of the malaria parasites.

See Also

• Malaria
• Pharmaceutical drug
• Drug resistance