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Antimalarial agents

What are Antimalarial agents?

Antimalarials agents are drugs effective in the treatment of malaria. Malaria is an infectious disease caused by the bite of an anopheles mosquito infected with certain protozoans. The best way to prevent malaria is by taking antimalarial drugs prophylactically prior to entering an endemic area.

Antimalarial agents are classified according to their action against different stages of the life cycle of the parasite. Certain antimalarial agents are more effective in the acute attack of malaria, and generally more that one agent will be used simultaneously to avoid resistance. Some antimalarial agents are used as prophylactic agents; they kill the parasite when it enters the host.

Types of Antimalarial agents

Please refer to the drug classes listed below for further information.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.