THE OPTIMUM QUININE THERAPY FOR ACUTE PLA SMODIUM-FALCIPARUM MALARIA ACQUIRED IN AFRICA

A review about the use of quinine for uncomplicated falciparum malaria contracted in Africa is proposed. The dose of 8 mg/kg of quinine base 3 times a day seems to be admitted by all. On the other way the durat ion of treatment fluctuates from Z to 10 days without evidence of diff erence in efficacy between 3, 5 and 7 days. The pharmacodynamic and ph armacokinetic properties of quinine are reviewed and suggest that 3, 5 and 7 days are efficient at least on, respectively 1, Z and 3 parasit e cycles and suggest that a five day treatment may be curative for all kind of patients infested with a quinine-sensitive strain of P. falci parum in Africa.