Quinacrine

Quinacrine is an antiprotozoal medication that is primarily used to treat giardiasis. It is also used for other conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Quinacrine was first made in the 1930s and is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the safest and most effective medicines needed in a health system.

Medical uses

Quinacrine is used to treat giardiasis, a parasitic infection of the small intestine. It is also used off-label for the treatment of lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, it has been used as a method of non-surgical sterilization in women, although this use is controversial and not widely accepted.

Side effects

Common side effects of quinacrine include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. In rare cases, it can cause serious side effects such as liver damage and skin discoloration.

Pharmacology

Quinacrine works by inhibiting the growth of the parasite that causes giardiasis. It is believed to do this by interfering with the parasite's ability to metabolize and reproduce.

History

Quinacrine was first made in the 1930s and was widely used during World War II to prevent and treat malaria. However, its use declined after the war due to the development of more effective and less toxic antimalarial drugs.

See also

• Antiprotozoal
• Giardiasis
• Lupus
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Quinacrine Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia