Molecule

Drug Groups

approved

Description

An acridine derivative formerly widely used as an antimalarial but superseded by chloroquine in recent years. It has also been used as an anthelmintic and in the treatment of giardiasis and malignant effusions. It is used in cell biological experiments as an inhibitor of phospholipase A2. [PubChem]

Indication

For the treatment of giardiasis and cutaneous leishmaniasis and the management of malignant effusions.

Pharmacology

Quinacrine has been used as an antimalarial drug and as an antibiotic. It is used to treat giardiasis, a protozoal infection of the intestinal tract, and certain types of lupus erythematosus, an inflammatory disease that affects the joints, tendons, and other connective tissues and organs. Quinacrine may be injected into the space surrounding the lungs to prevent reoccurrence of pneumothorax. The exact way in which quinacrine works is unknown. It appears to interfere with the parasite's metabolism.

Toxicity

Oral, rat: LD₅₀ = 900 mg/kg; Oral, mouse: LD₅₀ = 1000 mg/kg. Symptoms of overdose include seizures, hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, and cardiovascular collapse.

Affected Organisms

Absorption

Absorbed rapidly from the gastrointestinal tract following oral administration.

Half Life

5 to 14 days

Protein Binding

80-90%

References

External Links