Pyronaridine tetraphosphate

Pyronaridine Tetraphosphate is an antimalarial drug that is often used in combination with artesunate for the treatment of malaria. It is a synthetic compound derived from acridine, a nitrogen-containing heterocycle.

History

Pyronaridine was first synthesized in the 1970s by the Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology in Beijing, China. It was developed as part of a national research program aimed at finding new treatments for malaria. The drug was first used in clinical practice in 1981.

Pharmacology

Pyronaridine Tetraphosphate is a blood schizonticide, meaning it kills the asexual, erythrocytic forms of the malaria parasites. It is thought to work by inhibiting the hemozoin formation in the parasite, which leads to accumulation of toxic heme and subsequent parasite death.

Clinical Use

Pyronaridine Tetraphosphate is used in combination with artesunate in a fixed-dose combination product called Pyramax. This combination is used for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria and Plasmodium vivax malaria. It is also used as a second-line treatment for patients who cannot tolerate other antimalarial drugs.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Pyronaridine Tetraphosphate include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, it can cause changes in the electrocardiogram and hepatotoxicity.

Resistance

As with other antimalarial drugs, there have been reports of resistance to Pyronaridine Tetraphosphate. This is usually associated with the misuse of the drug, such as taking it without a prescription or not completing the full course of treatment.

See Also

• Antimalarial medication
• Artesunate
• Malaria