Malaria Treatment

Question 1

Falciparum malaria drug of choice

Answer 1

Artemether with lumefantrine

Question 2

Malaria treatment if artemisinin combination therapy unavailable

Answer 2

quinine or atovaquone with proguanil hydrochloride can be used if an artemisinin combination therapy is not available

Question 3

Falciparum malaria treatment in pregnancy

Answer 3

Uncomplicated falciparum malaria in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy should be treated with artemether with lumefantrine. Quinine with clindamycin [unlicensed indication] can be used in all trimesters. Quinine can increase the risk of uterine contractions and hypoglycemia.

Question 4

Non falciparum malaria treatment

Answer 4

Either an artemisinin combination therapy (such as artemether with lumefantrine) or chloroquine can be used for the treatment of non-falciparum malaria.

Question 5

non falciparum treatment in pregnancy

Answer 5

Chloroquine can be given for non-falciparum malaria treatment throughout pregnancy. Artemisinin combination therapy can be used in the second and third trimesters, and quinine may be used in the first trimester if there is concern about chloroquine-resistant P. vivax.