Antimalarial drugs

Definition

Antimalarial drugs are medications used to prevent and treat malaria, a disease caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. These drugs work by targeting different stages of the parasite's lifecycle in the human body.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Antimalarial drugs can be classified into several categories, including quinolines, antifolates, and artemisinins.
2. Quinine was one of the first antimalarial drugs discovered and is still used today for treating severe cases.
3. Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are currently the most effective treatment for malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum.
4. Some antimalarial drugs, such as chloroquine, have anti-inflammatory properties and can be used off-label to treat autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
5. Resistance to antimalarial drugs is a significant concern, particularly with Plasmodium falciparum developing resistance to chloroquine in many parts of the world.

Review Questions

• What are the primary classifications of antimalarial drugs?
• Which class of antimalarial drugs is considered most effective for treating Plasmodium falciparum infections?
• How does drug resistance impact the effectiveness of antimalarial treatments?

Related terms

Plasmodium:

The genus of parasites responsible for causing malaria in humans.

Artemisinin: A compound derived from the sweet wormwood plant, used as a key component in combination therapies against malaria.

Chloroquine:

An antimalarial drug that has also been used to treat autoimmune diseases due to its anti-inflammatory properties.