Chapter 43, Problem 2NERQ

Summary Introduction

A drug that acted against malaria is referred to as an antimalarial drug. Quinine is the original antimalarial agent. The quinine acts by inhibiting the reproduction and growth of the malarial parasites (Plasmodium), which thrives in the red blood cells of the victims. The effective antimalarial agent is chloroquine phosphate.

The antimalarial drug effects are mostly limited (the ability to destroy the parasitic organism) for Plasmodium species. But, these drugs have some therapeutic uses also. Hydroxychloroquine has anti-inflammatory effects. It is also used to treat systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.