Mepacrine
Mepacrine
Mepacrine (pronunciation: meh-PAK-rin), also known as quinacrine or Atabrine, is a type of medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as antiprotozoal agents. It is primarily used in the treatment of giardiasis, a parasitic infection of the small intestine, and lupus, an autoimmune disease.
Etymology
The term "mepacrine" is derived from the chemical name 9-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-chloro-2-methoxyacridine. The name "quinacrine" is derived from the chemical structure of the drug, which is similar to that of quinine, a well-known antimalarial drug.
Usage
Mepacrine is used in the treatment of parasitic infections, such as giardiasis and malaria. It is also used off-label in the treatment of lupus, particularly for patients who are unable to tolerate other treatments. Mepacrine works by interfering with the parasite's metabolism, thereby killing it.
Related Terms
- Antiprotozoal: A class of drugs used to treat infections caused by protozoa.
- Giardiasis: A parasitic infection of the small intestine caused by the protozoan Giardia lamblia.
- Lupus: An autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, heart, lungs, blood vessels, liver, kidneys, and nervous system.
- Malaria: A life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
- Quinine: An antimalarial drug that is also used to treat nocturnal leg cramps.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Mepacrine
- Wikipedia's article - Mepacrine
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