Pharmacological Treatment of Malaria

Chloroquine is currently used as a monotherapy in regions with chloroquine-susceptible infections. In contrast, the drug is no longer recommended for the prophylaxis against P. falciparum.ACT is nowadays the reference treatment option recommended by the WHO because of its efficacy compared to non-artemisinin combination therapy.Lumefantrine has never been used as a monotherapy in the treatment of malaria. However, its combination with artemether represents the most effective ACT recommended by the WHO for the treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria.Mefloquine monotherapy is largely used for the prevention of malaria in all areas where no resistance to antimalarial drugs is recorded.Mefloquine-artesunate ACT is well tolerated and associated with mild side effects, and it is thus recommended by the WHO for the treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria.Quinine is the preferred antimalarial drug for pregnant women and the treatment of multidrug-resistant malaria. In combination with antibiotics, quinine has improved antimalarial efficacy and decreased side effects, and it is nowadays considered as a second-line option that is an alternative to ACTs when the latter is not available.