Mechanisms of Action of Antimalarial Drugs
Antimalarial drugs work through various mechanisms to inhibit the growth and replication of malaria parasites. For instance, chloroquine accumulates in the parasite's digestive vacuole, causing a toxic build-up of heme. Artemisinin and its derivatives generate free radicals within the parasite, damaging its proteins and membranes. Proguanil and atovaquone inhibit folate synthesis and mitochondrial function, respectively. Understanding these mechanisms helps in the design of new drugs and the management of drug resistance, a growing problem in malaria treatment. Research continues to explore novel targets and combination therapies to address resistance and improve treatment outcomes.