Artemisinin and its derivatives: an important new class of antimalarial agents.
Artemisinin and its derivatives are a potent new class of antimalarials, originated from Artemisia annua, L. The clinical efficacy of these drugs is characterized by an almost immediate onset and rapid reduction of parasitaemia. Their efficacy is high in such areas as well where multidrug-resistance is rampant, but in these areas, their combination with other (effective) antimalarials (e.g., mefloquine) is highly recommended. In this short review, the chemical structures, pharmacological properties, and clinical uses of artemisinin drugs are discussed.
Balint
G A
GA
Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Psychiatry, New Clinics, University of Szeged, Medical Faculty, G.P.O. Box 427, H-6701, Szeged, Hungary. balint@nepsy.szote.u-szeged.hu
D000818:Animals; D000962:Antimalarials / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019306:Artemisia; D037621:Artemisinins; D000075202:Contraindications; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000187:drug effects; D006321:Heart / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D016778:Malaria, Falciparum / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015394:Molecular Structure; D012717:Sesquiterpenes / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000962:Antimalarials; D037621:Artemisinins; D012717:Sesquiterpenes; C031327:artemisinin