How Long Has Hydroxychloroquine Been Treating Malaria?

Malaria has plagued humanity for centuries, leading to the search for effective treatments. One of the longest-standing antimalarial drugs, hydroxychloroquine, has been used for decades in malaria treatment and prevention. But how long has it been in use, and how effective is it against malaria today? Let’s explore the history, effectiveness, and current role of hydroxychloroquine in malaria treatment.

The Origin of Hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is a derivative of chloroquine, which itself was derived from quinine. Quinine, extracted from the bark of the cinchona tree, was the first known treatment for malaria and has been used since the 17th century. Scientists developed synthetic alternatives to quinine to reduce its side effects and improve efficacy. You can Buy Hydroxychloroquine Online from Dose Pharmacy. 

Chloroquine was synthesized in the 1930s and became widely used in the 1940s as an antimalarial drug. However, due to concerns over toxicity at higher doses, hydroxychloroquine was developed in 1955 as a safer alternative. Since then, hydroxychloroquine has been used to treat malaria, along with autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Hydroxychloroquine in Malaria Treatment

When first introduced, hydroxychloroquine was highly effective against malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. It worked by interfering with the parasite's ability to digest hemoglobin, ultimately leading to the parasite’s death. For many years, it was a go-to treatment for malaria, especially in regions where chloroquine resistance had not yet developed.

By the 1960s and 1970s, hydroxychloroquine was widely used in both treatment and prevention, particularly for travelers visiting malaria-endemic regions. It was preferred in certain cases due to its reduced side effects compared to chloroquine.

The Rise of Resistance

Despite its initial effectiveness, malaria parasites eventually developed resistance to chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine. By the 1980s and 1990s, drug-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum emerged, particularly in Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America. This resistance significantly reduced the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine as a primary treatment for malaria.

Today, hydroxychloroquine is rarely used as a frontline treatment for malaria. Instead, artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are the preferred choice due to their superior effectiveness against resistant strains. However, hydroxychloroquine is still used in some cases, particularly for mild infections or in regions where resistance is not widespread.

Hydroxychloroquine in Malaria Prevention

In addition to treatment, hydroxychloroquine has been used as a prophylactic (preventative) measure for travelers visiting malaria-endemic areas. While it was once a common choice for malaria prevention, increasing resistance has led to a decline in its use. Today, other medications such as atovaquone-proguanil and doxycycline are preferred for malaria prophylaxis.

Modern-Day Use of Hydroxychloroquine

Although hydroxychloroquine is no longer a primary treatment for malaria, it remains on the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines due to its role in treating autoimmune diseases. Its use for malaria is now limited to certain situations, such as treating chloroquine-sensitive strains of P. vivax or as a secondary option when other drugs are unavailable.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, hydroxychloroquine gained widespread attention due to claims about its potential antiviral properties. However, scientific studies found no substantial evidence supporting its effectiveness against COVID-19, and its use for this purpose has been largely discontinued.

Hydroxychloroquine has played a significant role in malaria treatment for over 65 years. While it was once a highly effective antimalarial drug, the rise of resistant malaria strains has reduced its effectiveness. Today, it is rarely used for malaria treatment but remains important in specific cases and continues to be a vital medication for autoimmune conditions. Although its role in malaria treatment has diminished, hydroxychloroquine’s contribution to medical history remains undeniable.