What is the treatment of choice in malaria?

The treatment of choice for malaria depends on the species of Plasmodium causing the infection, as well as the severity of the infection. In general, the treatment of choice for uncomplicated malaria is an artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). ACTs are a combination of two or more drugs that work in different ways to kill the malaria parasite. The most commonly used ACTs include:

* Artemether-lumefantrine (Coartem)

* Artesunate-amodiaquine (ASAQ)

* Artesunate-mefloquine (ASMQ)

* Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (Duo-Cotecxin)

These ACTs are typically taken for 3-5 days.

For severe malaria, intravenous artesunate is the treatment of choice. Intravenous artesunate is given for a minimum of 24 hours, and then followed by an ACT.

In addition to ACTs, other drugs can be used to treat malaria, including:

* Chloroquine

* Mefloquine

* Quinine

* Tetracycline

* Doxycycline

The choice of drug will depend on the individual patient's condition, as well as the local prevalence of different Plasmodium species.

It is important to note that malaria can be a serious and potentially life-threatening infection, and it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you think you may have malaria.