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ANTIPARASITIC PRODUCTS, INSECTICIDES AND REPELLENTS › ANTIPROTOZOALS › ANTIMALARIALS › Aminoquinolines
amodiaquine
P01BA06
Forms & Strengths
- Tablets: 153 mg base (as hydrochloride)
- Tablets: 200 mg base
- Fixed-dose combination: Amodiaquine + Artesunate
Adult Dosing
- Uncomplicated malaria: 10 mg/kg base daily for 3 consecutive days
- Co-administered with artesunate: 10 mg/kg/day once daily for 3 days
Pediatric Dosing
- Infants and children > 2 months: 10 mg/kg base daily for 3 consecutive days
- Dosing typically weight-based when combined with artesunate in fixed-dose blister packs
Indications
- Treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria
- Intermittent preventive treatment in children (when combined with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine)
Mechanism of Action
- 4-aminoquinoline antimalarial agent
- Inhibits parasite heme polymerase, leading to toxic accumulation of free heme within the malaria parasite
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to amodiaquine or 4-aminoquinolines
- History of amodiaquine-induced hepatotoxicity
- History of blood dyscrasias (agranulocytosis or leukopenia)
- Prophylactic use (due to severe toxicity risks)
Adverse Reactions
- Hepatotoxicity (sometimes severe or fatal)
- Agranulocytosis and leukopenia
- Pruritus
- Gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain)
- Asthenia and dizziness
Drug Interactions
- Avoid concurrent use with other hepatotoxic drugs
- Increased risk of blood dyscrasias with bone marrow depressants
- Potential QT prolongation with concomitant CYP3A4 inhibitors or other arrhythmogenic drugs
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use