Antimalarial

Antimalarial

Antimalarial (pronunciation: an·ti·ma·lar·i·al) refers to a type of medication used to prevent and treat malaria, a disease caused by parasites transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes.

Etymology

The term "antimalarial" is derived from the prefix "anti-" meaning against, and "malarial" referring to malaria. It literally means against malaria.

Definition

Antimalarial drugs are designed to inhibit the growth of the Plasmodium parasites that cause malaria, thereby preventing the disease from developing in the human body. They can also be used to treat existing cases of malaria, reducing the severity of symptoms and helping to speed up recovery.

Types of Antimalarial Drugs

There are several types of antimalarial drugs, including:

• Chloroquine
• Hydroxychloroquine
• Mefloquine
• Doxycycline
• Atovaquone-proguanil

Each of these drugs works in a slightly different way to inhibit the growth of the Plasmodium parasites.

Usage

Antimalarial drugs are typically used in two main ways: as a preventative measure for people travelling to areas where malaria is prevalent, and as a treatment for people who have already contracted the disease.

Side Effects

Like all medications, antimalarial drugs can have side effects. These can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and in rare cases, more serious effects such as vision problems or heart issues.

Related Terms

• Malaria
• Plasmodium
• Mosquitoes
• Chloroquine
• Hydroxychloroquine
• Mefloquine
• Doxycycline
• Atovaquone-proguanil

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Antimalarial
• Wikipedia's article - Antimalarial

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