Buy Hydroxychloroquine Online is a well-known medication, particularly during recent years due to its potential role in treating certain viral infections. However, its primary use for many decades has been in the treatment of malaria. The history of hydroxychloroquine’s use for malaria stretches back more than 60 years, making it an established and trusted treatment for this mosquito-borne disease. In this article, we’ll explore the origins of hydroxychloroquine, how it has been used for malaria, and the benefits and considerations of its long-term use in treating this dangerous illness.
The History of Hydroxychloroquine
Hydroxychloroquine is a derivative of chloroquine, a medication developed during World War II. Chloroquine itself traces its roots back to quinine, which was extracted from the bark of the cinchona tree and used as a treatment for malaria for centuries. Quinine was the first effective treatment for malaria, but it had significant side effects, and as the disease spread, the need for more effective and less toxic treatments arose.
Chloroquine, discovered in the 1930s, became a revolutionary treatment. However, like many drugs, it had its limitations, including toxicity and resistance development. In response to this, hydroxychloroquine was developed in 1955. As a derivative of chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine was designed to be safer and less toxic, allowing for broader use, especially for longer-term treatment in conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
How Hydroxychloroquine Works Against Malaria
Malaria is cause by parasites of the genus Plasmodium, with Plasmodium falciparum being the most severe strain. When a person is bitten by an infected mosquito, the parasites enter the bloodstream and travel to the liver, where they mature and multiply. These parasites then re-enter the bloodstream, infecting red blood cells and causing the symptoms of malaria.
Hydroxychloroquine works by interfering with the parasite’s ability to break down and digest hemoglobin, which is crucial for their survival. It inhibits the parasite’s growth in red blood cells, reducing the infection’s severity and preventing further multiplication of the parasite. This action is similar to that of chloroquine but with fewer toxic side effects.
The Role of Hydroxychloroquine in Malaria Treatment
Hydroxychloroquine has been use extensively for the prevention and treatment of malaria, particularly in regions where chloroquine-resistant malaria is less prevalent.
The drug is effective in suppressing and treating acute attacks of malaria, particularly caused by Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale, two of the four major malaria-causing parasites.
These strains are typically less severe than Plasmodium falciparum, which is the deadliest and more likely to develop resistance to treatments like hydroxychloroquine.
While hydroxychloroquine was once a mainstay for malaria treatment in many parts of the world, its use has declined in regions where Plasmodium falciparum has developed resistance.
This has led to a shift toward other medications, such as ACTs, which are now the first-line treatment for malaria in many regions.
Hydroxychloroquine vs. Chloroquine
One of the reasons hydroxychloroquine became popular over chloroquine was its improved safety profile. Chloroquine, while effective, had higher toxicity levels, leading to more frequent and severe side effects, such as gastrointestinal distress, blurred vision, and in some cases, retinal damage with long-term use.
Hydroxychloroquine, on the other hand, offered a safer alternative, particularly for long-term use. This is especially important when malaria prophylaxis (prevention) is need for travelers to malaria-endemic areas. In addition, hydroxychloroquine’s use in autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis further demonstrated its safety and efficacy over prolonged periods, giving it an edge over chloroquine for both malaria prevention and treatment in certain cases.
The Decline of Hydroxychloroquine for Malaria
Despite its efficacy and safety, the role of hydroxychloroquine in treating malaria has diminished over the years due to the rise of drug-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum.
Resistance to chloroquine and its derivatives, including hydroxychloroquine, first became widespread in the late 20th century, particularly in Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, regions with high malaria burdens.
As resistance grew, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend that hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine no longer be use as first-line treatments for malaria in these regions. Instead, ACTs, which combine artemisinin (a drug derived from the sweet wormwood plant) with other antimalarials, became the preferred treatment. However, hydroxychloroquine still has a place in treating malaria in areas where chloroquine-resistant strains are not prevalent.
Current Uses of Hydroxychloroquine in Malaria-Endemic Regions
While hydroxychloroquine is no longer the go-to treatment for malaria in many parts of the world, it is still use in areas where chloroquine-resistant malaria is less common.
In these regions, hydroxychloroquine can still be use effectively to treat and prevent malaria, particularly against strains like Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale, which are less prone to developing drug resistance.
In addition, hydroxychloroquine continues to be use as a prophylactic treatment for travelers visiting malaria-endemic areas. Travelers who take hydroxychloroquine before, during, and after their visit can reduce their risk of contracting malaria, though it is essential to take it as directed to ensure effectiveness.
Potential Side Effects and Risks
Like all medications, hydroxychloroquine carries potential side effects, though they are generally milder than those associated with chloroquine. Common side effects of it include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache. In rare cases, it can cause more serious side effects, such as heart rhythm disturbances (QT prolongation), vision changes, and severe allergic reactions.
For malaria treatment, the risk of side effects is typically outweigh by the benefits of preventing or treating the disease. However, individuals with certain health conditions, such as pre-existing heart conditions or retinal disorders, should consult a healthcare provider before using it.
Hydroxychloroquine has a long history of use in treating malaria, dating back to the mid-20th century. While its use has declined in regions with drug-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum, it remains a valuable tool in the fight against malaria in areas where resistance is not as prevalent.
With its relatively mild side effect profile and effectiveness against certain strains of malaria, it continues to play a role in both the prevention and treatment of this deadly disease.
However, as with all medications, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether it is the right choice, particularly given the rise of drug-resistant malaria strains and the availability of newer, more effective treatments in some regions.
