Malaria remains one of the world’s most dangerous infectious diseases, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Over the decades, numerous drugs have been developed and used to prevent and treat this mosquito-borne illness. Among them, hydroxychloroquine once stood as a reliable antimalarial agent. However, with the evolution of drug resistance and changes in treatment guidelines, its role has shifted. So, does hydroxychloroquine still work for malaria today?

This article explores the history, effectiveness, current recommendations, and limitations of hydroxychloroquine in the treatment and prevention of malaria.

What Is Hydroxychloroquine?

Hcqs 200 is a medication derived from chloroquine, originally developed to treat and prevent malaria. Over time, it also gained approval for use in autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Compared to chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine has a better safety profile, with fewer side effects and lower toxicity, making it preferable in many long-term treatments.

How Does Hydroxychloroquine Work Against Malaria?

Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. Once in the bloodstream, the parasites infect red blood cells.

Hydroxychloroquine works by accumulating in the parasites' food vacuole and interfering with their ability to digest hemoglobin, a vital source of nutrition for the parasite. This disrupts their lifecycle and ultimately kills them. You can also buy hydroxychloroquine online from dosepharmacy.

Historical Use of Hydroxychloroquine in Malaria

Hydroxychloroquine was widely used for decades as a frontline treatment for uncomplicated malaria, especially caused by Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, and some strains of Plasmodium falciparum. In the mid-20th century, it became a preferred option due to its tolerability and effectiveness.

It was also used as a prophylactic (preventive) treatment for travelers visiting malaria-endemic regions.

The Rise of Drug Resistance

The effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine began to decline when resistance to chloroquine emerged and spread across many malaria-endemic areas. Since hydroxychloroquine is structurally similar to chloroquine, many resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum are also resistant to hydroxychloroquine.

This drug resistance is particularly prevalent in regions such as:

• Sub-Saharan Africa
  
  
• Southeast Asia
  
  
• Parts of South America
  
  

Because of this, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other public health bodies have shifted away from recommending hydroxychloroquine as a first-line treatment for malaria in these regions.

Current Recommendations and Guidelines

According to current WHO guidelines and national malaria programs:

• Hydroxychloroquine is no longer recommended for the treatment or prevention of P. falciparum malaria in most parts of the world.
  
  
• It may still be effective in some regions with P. vivax or P. ovale malaria, but even in those cases, alternative treatments are often preferred.
  
  

Preferred treatment options now include:

• Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) like artemether-lumefantrine or artesunate-amodiaquine
  
  
• Atovaquone-proguanil (especially for travelers)
  
  
• Mefloquine, in areas where it is still effective
  
  

Can Hydroxychloroquine Still Be Used for Malaria?

Yes, but only in specific situations:

1. In regions where malaria parasites remain sensitive to it: Some areas still report susceptibility to chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine.
   
   
2. For certain P. vivax or P. ovale cases: Especially in combination with primaquine to prevent relapse.
   
   
3. As a backup when modern drugs are not available: In resource-limited settings, hydroxychloroquine may be used when ACTs are not accessible.
   
   

However, these uses are becoming increasingly rare due to global drug resistance.

Safety and Side Effects

When hydroxychloroquine is used, it is generally well-tolerated, especially for short-term use. Common side effects include:

• Nausea
  
  
• Diarrhea
  
  
• Headache
  
  
• Dizziness
  
  

Rare but serious side effects include:

• Retinal toxicity (especially with long-term use)
  
  
• Heart rhythm abnormalities (in high doses)
  
  

For malaria, short treatment courses typically do not pose significant risks.

Hydroxychloroquine vs. Other Malaria Drugs

Key Takeaways

• Hydroxychloroquine was once a go-to malaria drug, but its effectiveness has been compromised due to widespread resistance.
  
  
• It is no longer the preferred treatment in most malaria-endemic areas, especially against P. falciparum.
  
  
• Alternative medications like ACTs and atovaquone-proguanil are now favored for both treatment and prevention.
  
  
• Hydroxychloroquine may still be used in limited, specific cases or regions where resistance is not a concern.
  
  
• Always follow national or WHO treatment guidelines when addressing malaria.
  
  

 While hydroxychloroquine played an important role in the history of malaria treatment, it has largely been replaced by more effective and targeted therapies. Resistance among malaria parasites, especially Plasmodium falciparum, has made hydroxychloroquine an unreliable choice in many regions.

Nonetheless, it remains a useful drug in certain contexts and continues to be valuable in treating autoimmune diseases. If you're traveling to or living in a malaria-endemic area, consult a healthcare provider for the most appropriate, up-to-date treatment or prevention strategy.

Modern antimalarials have taken the lead, but hydroxychloroquine’s legacy as a tool against malaria is not forgotten.