Pamaquine: Difference between revisions

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'''Pamaquine''' is an [[8-aminoquinoline]] derivative with [[antimalarial]] properties. It was first synthesized in the early 20th century and was used extensively during [[World War II]] to prevent and treat [[malaria]]. Pamaquine is also known as plasmochin, plasmoquine, and pentaquine.
{{Short description|An antimalarial drug}}
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== History ==
'''Pamaquine''', also known as '''plasmoquine''', is an [[antimalarial drug]] belonging to the class of [[8-aminoquinoline]] compounds. It was one of the first synthetic antimalarial agents developed and was used primarily for the treatment of [[Plasmodium vivax]] and [[Plasmodium ovale]] infections.
Pamaquine was first synthesized in 1924 by the German pharmaceutical company [[Bayer]]. It was one of the first synthetic antimalarial drugs to be developed, following the discovery of [[quinine]] in the 19th century. During World War II, pamaquine was used extensively by the military to prevent and treat malaria in soldiers stationed in tropical regions.


== Pharmacology ==
==History==
Pamaquine is an 8-aminoquinoline derivative. It works by interfering with the life cycle of the [[Plasmodium]] parasite, the organism that causes malaria. Pamaquine is particularly effective against the liver stages of the parasite, which are responsible for the relapsing nature of the disease.
Pamaquine was synthesized in the early 20th century as part of efforts to develop effective treatments for malaria, a disease caused by [[Plasmodium]] parasites transmitted through the bites of infected [[Anopheles]] mosquitoes. It was introduced as a therapeutic agent before the discovery of more effective and less toxic alternatives such as [[chloroquine]] and [[primaquine]].


== Side Effects ==
==Mechanism of Action==
Like many antimalarial drugs, pamaquine can cause a number of side effects. These can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and in rare cases, [[hemolytic anemia]]. This last side effect is particularly dangerous for individuals with [[glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency]], a genetic disorder that affects red blood cells.
Pamaquine acts by interfering with the [[electron transport chain]] in the [[mitochondria]] of the malaria parasite. This disruption leads to the accumulation of toxic metabolites within the parasite, ultimately resulting in its death. Pamaquine is particularly effective against the [[exoerythrocytic]] forms of the parasite, which reside in the [[liver]].


== Current Use ==
==Pharmacokinetics==
Today, pamaquine is rarely used due to the development of newer, safer antimalarial drugs. However, it is still occasionally used in combination with other drugs to treat certain forms of malaria, particularly those caused by [[Plasmodium vivax]] and [[Plasmodium ovale]].
Pamaquine is administered orally and is absorbed through the [[gastrointestinal tract]]. It undergoes extensive [[hepatic metabolism]] and is excreted primarily in the urine. The drug has a relatively short half-life, necessitating frequent dosing to maintain therapeutic levels.


== See Also ==
==Side Effects==
The use of pamaquine is associated with several side effects, the most notable being [[hemolytic anemia]] in individuals with [[glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency]] (G6PD deficiency). Other side effects may include [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], and [[abdominal pain]]. Due to these adverse effects, pamaquine has largely been replaced by safer alternatives.
 
==Current Use==
While pamaquine is no longer widely used in clinical practice, it remains of historical interest as one of the pioneering antimalarial drugs. Research into its mechanism of action has contributed to the development of newer antimalarial agents.
 
==Related pages==
* [[Malaria]]
* [[Antimalarial medication]]
* [[Antimalarial medication]]
* [[Malaria]]
* [[Primaquine]]
* [[8-aminoquinoline]]
* [[Chloroquine]]


[[Category:Antimalarial agents]]
[[Category:Antimalarial agents]]
[[Category:8-Aminoquinolines]]
[[Category:8-Aminoquinolines]]
{{medicine-stub}}

Revision as of 03:46, 13 February 2025

An antimalarial drug


Pamaquine
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Pamaquine, also known as plasmoquine, is an antimalarial drug belonging to the class of 8-aminoquinoline compounds. It was one of the first synthetic antimalarial agents developed and was used primarily for the treatment of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale infections.

History

Pamaquine was synthesized in the early 20th century as part of efforts to develop effective treatments for malaria, a disease caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. It was introduced as a therapeutic agent before the discovery of more effective and less toxic alternatives such as chloroquine and primaquine.

Mechanism of Action

Pamaquine acts by interfering with the electron transport chain in the mitochondria of the malaria parasite. This disruption leads to the accumulation of toxic metabolites within the parasite, ultimately resulting in its death. Pamaquine is particularly effective against the exoerythrocytic forms of the parasite, which reside in the liver.

Pharmacokinetics

Pamaquine is administered orally and is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. It undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism and is excreted primarily in the urine. The drug has a relatively short half-life, necessitating frequent dosing to maintain therapeutic levels.

Side Effects

The use of pamaquine is associated with several side effects, the most notable being hemolytic anemia in individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD deficiency). Other side effects may include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Due to these adverse effects, pamaquine has largely been replaced by safer alternatives.

Current Use

While pamaquine is no longer widely used in clinical practice, it remains of historical interest as one of the pioneering antimalarial drugs. Research into its mechanism of action has contributed to the development of newer antimalarial agents.

Related pages