Malaria is a parasitic disease caused by Plasmodium parasites and carried by Anopheles mosquitoes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, malaria is a medical emergency. Delay in diagnosis and treatment are the leading causes of death in malaria patients in the United States. Anti-malaria drugs are effective in treating malaria, but they also cause several side effects in patients.
Quinine
According to the drug database Drugs.com, quinine is a treatment for malaria. It kills the parasites that cause malaria. Common side effects of quinine include diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, nervousness and restlessness. Adverse effects of quinine include ringing in the ears, fast heart rate, mental status changes, severe stomach cramps, fever, chills and sore throat. Patients with previous allergic reactions to quinine should avoid taking the drug. Patients with low platelet count and bleeding problems should also avoid quinine. Patients should report adverse side effects of quinine to their doctors.
Chloroquine
Drugs.com states that chloroquine, also known as Aralen, is an anti-malaria drug that destroys the parasites that cause malaria. Chloroquine is the drug of choice for the treatment of malaria. Common side effects of chloroquine include nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, dizziness, headache and appetite loss. Adverse effects of chloroquine include fever, sore throat, chills, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, bleeding, bruising and vision problems. Patients who have had previous allergic reactions to chloroquine should not use it. Patients with vision problems should also avoid chloroquine. Patients should report adverse side effects of chloroquine to their doctors.
Mefloquine
According to Drugs.com, mefloquine, also known as Lariam, is an anti-malaria drug used for the prevention and treatment of malaria. Common side effects of the drug include diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, loss of appetite, muscle aches, stomach pain, nausea, insomnia and vomiting. Adverse effects of mefloquine include mental changes, numbness and tingling of the hands or feet, ringing in the ears, seizures, shortness of breath and vision changes. Patients should report these adverse side effects to their doctors.
