Clinical importance of antimalarial pharmacokinetics

Abstract

The efficacy of an antimalarial drug depends on its specific inhibitory or cidal activity on a given species and strain of a malaria parasite. It also depends on pharmacokinetic considerations such as the speed of absorption, concentration of drug in plasma or in infected erythrocytes, distribution in tissues, clearance by metabolism and renal elimination and pharmacodynamic considerations such as toxicity. Recommendations on dosage regimens for antimalaria treatment and prophylaxis should be based on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies performed in appropriate populations (i.e. both in volunteers and in children, adults and pregnant women with both uncomplicated and severe malaria).