Tag: Antimalarial drugs

Historically, the bark of the Cinchona tree was the only source for treating malaria, containing over 30 different alkaloids [1.6.3, 1.6.4]. Understanding what are the different types of quinine drugs involves exploring both these natural compounds and their synthetic successors.

First synthesized in the 1930s, the class of 4-aminoquinoline drugs has a long history, initially developed to combat malaria and later repurposed for other conditions. This article explores what are the examples of 4-aminoquinoline drugs and their medical applications, highlighting their mechanisms, uses, and the challenges of drug resistance.

Malaria, a vector-borne disease caused by the *Plasmodium* parasite, affects hundreds of millions of people annually, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. To combat this devastating disease, healthcare professionals rely on various drug classes, and understanding **what is the classification of antimalarial drugs** is essential for selecting effective treatment and prophylaxis.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that hundreds of thousands of people die from malaria each year, primarily in Africa. Deciding **which tablet is best for malaria treatment** requires careful consideration of the parasite species, geographic location, and severity of the illness.

Marketed in 1926, Plasmoquine, also known as pamaquine or Plasmochin, was the first synthetic antimalarial drug developed [1.2.2, 1.2.3]. This article explores the critical question for any medication: How quickly does plasmoquine work, and what was its role in the fight against malaria?

The use of an effective antimalarial treatment dates back to the 17th century, when Jesuit missionaries in South America observed indigenous use of the cinchona tree's bark. This bark contained the alkaloid that would later be isolated as quinine, the first drug to successfully treat malaria.

By the 1980s, after decades of extensive use, the malaria parasite *Plasmodium falciparum* had developed widespread resistance to chloroquine, which was once hailed as a miracle drug. This emergence of resistance is the primary reason **why is chloroquine no longer used for malaria** as a first-line treatment in most endemic regions globally.

While quinine was once the frontline treatment for malaria for nearly 400 years, its use has evolved dramatically due to the development of newer, more effective drugs with fewer side effects. Today, despite its diminished role, the answer to the question, 'Is quinine still used today?', is yes, albeit in a much more limited and controlled capacity.

Originally derived from the sweet wormwood plant, *Artemisia annua*, artemisinin was rediscovered by Chinese scientists in the 1970s and is now a cornerstone of modern malaria treatment. The primary clinical use of artemisinin and its derivatives is for malaria, though research is exploring what is artemisinin used for in treating other parasitic infections, inflammatory diseases, and certain cancers.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, dizziness is a potential side effect that patients taking chloroquine should report to their healthcare team as soon as possible. While not experienced by everyone, understanding why and when does chloroquine cause dizziness is crucial for patient safety and effective medication management.