Drug Treatment for Malaria

Malaria can be fatal. Depending on the severity of the infection and the type of parasite, various types of medications may be prescribed to eradicate the illness. Once a person becomes infected, it is recommended that treatment begin immediately to lessen the severity of the symptoms.

Chloroquine

• This drug is used to both prevent and treat the parasite Plasmodium falciparum. When used as a preventive, it stops the development of the parasite in the bloodstream.

Fansidar (Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine)

• This drug is used to treat malaria, especially in children.

Mefloquine

• This anti-malarial drug is administered orally, and is often used in patients who have developed a resistance to chloroquine.

Atovaquone-Proguanil

• This drug is often used to treat severe cases of malaria. It can also be used as a preventive.

Quinine

• This drug was the first effective method of malaria treatment (for the parasite Plasmodium falciparum). Other effective medications have taken its place, but it is still used in serious cases.

Doxycycline

• This drug is used in conjunction with other malarial treatments, such as quinine.