Antimalarial drugs

Antimalarial drugs

Antimalarial drugs (pronunciation: an-tee-muh-lair-ee-uhl druhgz) are a type of pharmaceutical drug used to prevent and treat malaria, a disease caused by parasites that enter the body through the bite of a mosquito. Malaria is common in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.

Etymology

The term "antimalarial" is derived from the Latin anti- meaning "against" and malaria meaning "bad air". The term "drug" comes from the Old French drogue, possibly derived from droge vate, meaning "dry barrels", referring to medicinal substances preserved in these containers.

Types of Antimalarial Drugs

There are several types of antimalarial drugs, including:

• Chloroquine: This drug is used to prevent and treat malaria. It is also used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
• Hydroxychloroquine: This is a less toxic derivative of chloroquine and is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, as well as in the prevention and treatment of malaria.
• Quinine: This is a natural substance found in the bark of the Cinchona tree. It has been used for centuries in the treatment of malaria.
• Mefloquine: This is a synthetic drug used in the prevention and treatment of malaria.
• Artemisinin: This is a drug derived from the plant Artemisia annua, or sweet wormwood. It is used in the treatment of malaria.

Related Terms

• Prophylaxis: This is the prevention of disease.
• Parasite: An organism that lives in or on another organism (its host) and benefits by deriving nutrients at the host's expense.
• Pharmaceutical drug: A drug used to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent disease.
• Therapy: Treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder.

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