ATC Group: P01BA Aminoquinolines

Chloroquine binds to and alters the properties of DNA. Chloroquine also binds to ferriprotoporphyrin IX and this leads to lysis of the plasmodial membrane. In acute attacks of malaria, it interrupts erythrocytic schizogony of the parasite.

Hydroxychloroquine is a antimalarial agent with have several pharmacological actions which may be involved in their therapeutic effect in the treatment of rheumatic disease, but its role is not known.

Primaquine is an 8-aminoquinoline compound which eliminates tissue (exoerythrocytic) infection. Thereby, it prevents the development of the blood (erythrocytic) forms of the parasite which are responsible for relapses in vivax malaria. Primaquine phosphate is also active against gametocytes of Plasmodium falciparum.

Tafenoquine is an 8-aminoquinoline antimalarial drug. It is used for the radical cure (prevention of relapse) of Plasmodium vivax malaria in patients aged 16 years and older who are receiving chloroquine therapy for acute P. vivax infection.