[Efficacy of naphthoquine, artemisinine and a combination of the two drugs in the treatment of falciparum malaria].
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy and safety of naphthoquine, artemisinine and a combination of the two drugs in the treatment of faciparum malaria.


METHODS
Of 230 patients, 100 patients were treated with combined regime (Co-NQ), 100 patients were treated with naphthoquine (NQ) and 30 patients were treated with artemisinine (QHS). All patients were hospitalized for 7 days and followed up for 28 days.


RESULTS
The mean fever clearance time for Co-NQ, NQ, and QHS was (17.5 +/- 12.3)h, (32.7 +/- 17.7)h and (18.1 +/- 9.7)h respectively; the mean parasite clearance time was (30.0 +/- 8.8)h, (45.5 +/- 10.0)h and (29.1 +/- 6.0)h respectively; and the 28 days cure rate was 97.0%, 100.0% and 66.7% respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The Co-NQ possesses benefits of both naphthoquine and artemisinine, acting rapidly, with a short course of only one dose and a high cure rate. The regime is well tolerated by patients.
Wang
Jing-yan
JY
Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071.
Shan
Cheng-qi
CQ
Fu
Da-dong
DD
Sun
Zhi-wei
ZW
Ding
De-ben
DB
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000962:Antimalarials / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D037621:Artemisinins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016778:Malaria, Falciparum / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009284:Naphthols / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000962:Antimalarials; D037621:Artemisinins; D004338:Drug Combinations; D009284:Naphthols