Antimalarials

Antimalarials (or antimalarial medications) are a range of drugs designed to either prevent or cure malaria. Malaria is an infection caused by protozoa of the genus Plasmodium. Infected mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles carry the parasite. The disease is associated with tropical and subtropical regions.

Preventative medications can be administered on a short-term basis to those visiting geographical regions known to be malaria-endemic, or they be can administered over the longer term to those permanently residing in malaria-endemic regions.

Diagnosis

Parasitological confirmation is achieved either by microscopy or by rapid diagnostic tests. Signs and symptoms include bouts of fever, rigor, headaches, vomiting, and jaundice. Relapses are common if the parasite is not destroyed. Treatment is through the use of antimalarial drugs.

Types of Antimalarials

Antimalarial agents are subdivided by the ...

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