Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite that enters the bloodstream and damages blood and liver cells. The disease is spread by mosquitoes and is found in many tropical regions. In order to prevent and treat malaria, numerous antimalarial drugs have been marketed. Fortunately, these drugs have proven very effective in combating the disease. However, antimalarial drugs can cause numerous side effects that can limit their use in certain cases. Understanding the possible side effects of antimalarial medication can help physicians choose the best treatment regimen for each patient.
Abdominal Pain
One of the more common side effects of antimalarial drugs is abdominal pain or discomfort, states the MayoClinic.com. Many antimalarial drugs target the parasite within the bloodstream and liver. As the medications destroy the parasite, the normal tissues within the body can become damaged or irritated. Often this will result in stomach cramps and pain. The pain is usually mild, but can become severe. If the pain becomes intolerable, the patient should be switched to a different antimalarial medication.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is caused by numerous antimalarial drugs like doxycycline, according to MedlinePlus, a National Institutes of Health website. Doxycycline is a member of the tetracycline antibiotic and can cause inflammation to the tissues of the digestive tract. This inflammation can prevent the intestines from absorbing food and water properly and induce muscle spasms within the intestines. These two effects often lead to diarrhea. If the diarrhea only lasts a short period of time, then the patient can continue to take the medication. However, if the diarrhea becomes severe or persists, the patient may be at risk for dehydration.
Weakness and Fatigue
Patients taking antimalarial drugs similar to chloroquine may develop muscle weakness, reports Drugs.com. Muscle weakness, fatigue and decreased reflexes are a progressive side effect associated with many antimalarial drugs. The drugs cause these symptoms by causing changes within the blood vessels leading to the muscles. As more of the drug enters the system muscles can become damaged by the medication. The muscle weakness and fatigue begins mildly, but may quickly progress to a more debilitating disorder.
Mouth Sores
Sores within the mouth can be a side effect of antimalarial drugs, according to MayoClinic.com. Drugs such as atovaqone and doxycycline can cause these sores to form in the mouth. Typically, these sores appear within the inner tissue of the cheek or lips and are painful. There are usually multiple sores that can be very distressing to the patient. The sores usually resolve as the medicine is removed from the patient. Patients taking the medication to cure malaria can continue taking the same medication. Patients who are using the drug as a preventive measure usually take the medication for an extended period of time. Therefore, these patients should switch to another antimalarial medication that does not cause oral sores.
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