What drugs are used to treat malaria in Africa?

What drugs are used to treat malaria in Africa?

For many years the treatment of malaria in Africa has relied on chloroquine, sulfadoxine combined with pyrimethamine, and quinine, with the latter being used mainly to treat severe cases.

Can mefloquine be used to treat malaria?

Mefloquine is used to treat malaria (a serious infection that is spread by mosquitoes in certain parts of the world and can cause death) and to prevent malaria in travelers who visit areas where malaria is common. Mefloquine is in a class of medications called antimalarials.

What is the best antimalarial drug for South Africa?

Mefloquine or atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline are currently the recommended prophylactic agents, when chemoprophylaxis is required.

Is mefloquine still available?

Mefloquine is used based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The brand Lariam® is no longer sold in the United States, although other brands of mefloquine are available.

What are the side effects of mefloquine?

Mefloquine can cause dizziness, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, vivid dreams, and visual disturbances. In rare instances mefloquine can cause seizures, depression, and psychosis. When they occur, these side effects start within the first few doses of the medicine.

Is mefloquine and chloroquine the same?

Lariam (Mefloquine) Effectively prevents and treats malaria, and treats a certain type of intestinal infection but can cause serious side effects in certain people. chloroquine is generally safe to use during pregnancy and for children. You can take chloroquine with or without food.

What is the generic name of mefloquine?

Lariam (mefloquine hydrochloride) is an antimalarial agent used to treat or prevent malaria. Lariam is available in generic form.

Is mefloquine available in South Africa?

Mefloquine is also not licensed for use as treatment in South Africa. Halofantrine has been associated with cardiac side effects, and should not be used for routine treatment.

Is chloroquine the same as mefloquine?

Mefloquine is used as a treatment for chloroquine-sensitive or resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria, and is deemed a reasonable alternative for uncomplicated chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium vivax malaria. It is one of several drugs recommended by the United States’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.