Malaria : Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite. People with malaria often experience fever, chills, and flu-like illness. Left untreated, they may develop severe complications and die. In 2010 an estimated 219 million cases of malaria occurred worldwide and 660,000 people died, most (91%) in the African Region
Quinine derivatives /Quinine sulphate:
Destroys the asexual forms of Plasmodium in three days.
Used in the treatment of cerebral malaria, it clears the clogs in the brain capillaries caused by Plasmodium falciparum.
Not toxic in recommended dosage but excessive dosage may cause temporary deafness.
Pregnant women should not be given quinine derivatives.
Acridine derivatives/Mepacrine and Quinacrine:
Destroys the asexual forms of plasmodium after the third or fourth day.
Toxic effects are temporary yellow coloration of skin, face, eyes and urine.
Biguanie/Paludrine:
Destroys the tissue forms and can be used as a prophylactic drug.
- Prophylactic dosage – 300 mgs once a week
- For treatment – 300 mgs daily for 5 to 10 days