Artemether vs quinine therapy in Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Manipur--a preliminary report.
Qinghaosu and its derivatives are rapidly effective antimalarial drugs derived from a Chinese plant (sweet worm wood). Preliminary studies suggest that these drugs may be more effective than quinine in the treatment of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. A randomised double blind trial was conducted in 52 cases of Plasmodium falciparum malaria cases. In all 26 cases were given artemether and another 26 were given quinine. There were 2 (7.5%) deaths in artemether group and 4 (15%) deaths in quinine group. The parasites were cleared more quickly from the blood in artemether group when compared to quinine group (mean-72 hrs vs 96 hrs). Resolution of fever was comparable in both artemether and quinine group (mean-84 hrs vs 78 hrs) and also the average time of recovery from coma was more earlier in artemether group (mean-60 hrs vs 72 hrs). The only side effect noticed with artemether therapy was gastrointestinal (GI) intolerance while quinine therapy was associated with myocarditis, hypotension, hypoglycemia and GI intolerance.
Singh
N B
NB
Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal, Manipur.
Bhagyabati Devi
S
S
Singh
T B
TB
Singh
M A
MA
Singh
N B
NB
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000962:Antimalarials / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077549:Artemether; D037621:Artemisinins; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D016778:Malaria, Falciparum / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010963:Plasmodium falciparum / Q000302:isolation & purification; D011803:Quinine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012717:Sesquiterpenes / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000962:Antimalarials; D037621:Artemisinins; D012717:Sesquiterpenes; D011803:Quinine; D000077549:Artemether