Adverse Effects and Toxicity of Antimalarial Drugs

Antimalarial drugs play a crucial role in preventing and treating malaria, but they can also lead to significant adverse effects. Understanding these risks is essential for optimizing treatment strategies and ensuring patient safety.

Common Adverse Effects

• Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
• Neurological Effects: Headache, dizziness, and sleep disturbances.
• Cardiotoxicity: QT prolongation and arrhythmias, particularly with quinoline-based drugs.
• Psychiatric Effects: Anxiety, depression, and hallucinations (especially with mefloquine).

Severe Toxicity Risks

• Hematological Complications: Hemolysis in individuals with G6PD deficiency.
• Hepatotoxicity: Liver dysfunction and increased liver enzyme levels.
• Neurotoxicity: Seizures and encephalopathy in high doses.

Managing Adverse Effects

Physicians must assess patient history, monitor drug interactions, and provide supportive care to mitigate these risks.