Pamaquine: A Synthetic Antimalarial Drug with Limited Efficacy and Side Effects

Pamaquine is a synthetic antimalarial drug that was developed in the 1940s and was used to treat malaria in the past. It is no longer used as a first-line treatment for malaria due to its limited efficacy and potential side effects.

Pamaquine is an analogue of quinine, which is a naturally occurring antimalarial compound found in the bark of the cinchona tree. Pamaquine works by interfering with the growth of the malaria parasite in red blood cells, preventing it from multiplying and causing symptoms.

However, pamaquine has several limitations as a treatment for malaria. It is not effective against certain strains of the parasite, and it can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Additionally, pamaquine-resistant strains of the parasite have emerged in some parts of the world, making it less effective in these areas.

As a result, pamaquine is no longer widely used as a first-line treatment for malaria, and other antimalarial drugs such as artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are now preferred for their greater efficacy and safety.