**4.2 Primaquine**

142 Current Topics in Tropical Medicine

prescribed based on the patient's medical history, tolerability of side effects, compliance, and known resistance in the area (Table 1). Resistance to antimalarial drugs is growing, and is a major public health concern (WHO, 2010). Resistance of *P. falciparum* to chloroquine, the most widely available and least expensive chemoprophylaxis agent, is now widespread, except in a few limited areas of the Caribbean, Central and South America, and a few countries in the Middle East. Resistance to mefloquine is spreading and has been confirmed in areas of SE Asia including along the borders of Burma and China, Laos and Burma, Thailand and Burma, Thailand and Cambodia, and in southern Vietnam (CDC, 2012).

Chloroquine is a 4-aminoquinoline oral antimalarial agent first introduced in the 1940's. It has good bioavailability, is rapidly absorbed and appreciably concentrated in tissues such as the liver, spleen, and to a lesser extent in the CNS (WHO, 2010). Its plasmodicidal activity is thought to be related to its interaction with malarial DNA, specifically haem detoxification (Castelli et al., 2010; WHO, 2010). Chloroquine is dosed once weekly and is effective against

Chloroquine has long shown its efficacy against malaria, and was a cornerstone of treatment until growing resistance became a problem in the 1980's (Castelli et al., 2010). *P. falciparum*  resistance to chloroquine is widespread, thus making it an acceptable choice only in chloroquine sensitive areas. There is some evidence of mutations making non-falciparum strains resistant, with resistance of *P. vivax* to chloroquine reported in areas of Papua New Guinea, West Papua, Guyana, Vanuatu, Myanmar, Indonesia, and India (WHO, 2010; Kain

Chloroquine has a generally mild side effect profile with the most common events being nausea, headache, blurred vision, insomnia, and pruritis (Castelli et al., 2010). Serious side effects, although rare, include myopathy, hepatitis, hearing loss, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, seizures, and irreversible retinopathy (WHO, 2010). Retinopathy is usually seen after 100g cumulative dose, which is equivalent to what a long-term traveler may ingest in 5-6 years of weekly dosing (Chen et al., 2006). Chloroquine-induced retinopathy is rare in patients taking malaria prophylaxis and is more frequently seen in the higher doses administered for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (CDC, 2012). In a large (N=2701) trial of peace corps volunteers undergoing malaria prophylaxis it was found that chloroquine was better tolerated and had fewer serious side effects than mefloquine or doxycycline, however prophylaxis in general was not tolerated well with 9% reporting severe events and 23% at

Chloroquine is considered safe for use in children and pregnancy, however strict adherence to weight-based dosing must be adhered to for children since serious adverse events have been reported in children receiving as little as 1 gram of chloroquine (Chen et al., 2006). While chloroquine is safe for breast-feeding mothers, the infant should receive separate prophylaxis as the amount of chloroquine secreted in breast milk is not sufficient for

Chloroquine is available in 500mg tablets, which is equivalent to 300mg chloroquine base. Dosing is done weekly starting 2 weeks before travel into an endemic area and for 4 weeks

While generally considered a safe and efficacious drug, the growing resistance to chloroquine is making it a choice only available in limited areas of the world. However,

after leaving the area. Pediatric dosing is 5mg/kg base, never to exceed adult dosing.

some point changing their prophylactic medication (Korhonen et al., 2007).

the erythrocytic stages of sensitive plasmodium species.

**4.1 Chloroquine** 

et al., 2001; Davis et al., 2003).

protection.

Primaquine phosphate is an oral antimalarial agent first approved by the FDA in 1952. The mechanism of action is not well understood, but its plasmodicidal activity is thought to be related to disruption of the parasitic electron transport chain (Castelli et al., 2010). It has a short half-life of approximately seven hours, thus requiring daily dosing. Before the approval of primaquine, there was no available treatment of relapsing malaria because antimalarial drugs available at the time were only effective against the erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium species (Shanks et al., 2001). Primaquine's approval was important because it is effective against both the erythrocytic and exoerythocytic stages of Plasmodium species, making it an effective choice for *P.vivax, P. ovale, or P. falciparum* (WHO, 2010; Shanks, Kain et al., 2001). However, it is only FDA-approved for the treatment of vivax malaria, but has long been used for treatment off-label for other species and is the drug of choice for terminal prophylaxis in travelers at risk for relapsing malaria (Castelli et al., 2010; Hill et al., 2006).

Multiple clinical trials have shown the efficacy of primaquine against both vivax and falciparum malaria (Shanks et al., 2001). In two placebo controlled trials on the island of New Guinea it was shown that primaquine had an efficacy of 93 - 95% against *P. falciparum* and 88 - 90% against *P. vivax* (Baird et al., 2001; Fryauff et al., 1995). In two placebo controlled trials done in Columbia good efficacy was also seen, with an overall efficacy of 89% against *P. falciparum* and 88% against *P. Vivax* (Soto et al., 1998, 1999). While good efficacy has been seen in the past, there is emerging evidence of increasing resistance to *P. Vivax* strains in some areas of Oceana, South East Asia, and South America (Baird, 2009).

Primaquine is a well-tolerated medication with the most common side effects being nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps (Fryauff et al., 1995). It was shown to have better tolerability than chloroquine in Irian Jaya transmigrates, and in a retrospective study of travelers to Ethiopia it had favorable tolerability compared to mefloquine and doxycycline (Schwartz & Regev-Yochay, 1999; Baird et al., 2001). Severe hemolytic anemia can occur in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and should be avoided in any patient with this enzymopathy. All patients taking primaquine should be evaluated for G6PD deficiency prior to receiving this drug (Hill et al., 2006).

Off-label dosing recommendations are 30mg base per day for 14 days for terminal prophylaxis, and 30mg per day 1-2 days before travel and continued for 7 days after travel for prophylaxis (CDC, 2012). It should be taken with food to limit side effects. Dosing for children is 0.5 mg/kg base per day. It has been shown safe in studies up to one year with no labeled restrictions on duration of use (Fryauff et al., 1995; Chen et al., 2006). Primaquine is contraindicated in pregnant women, making prevention or treatment of malaria in areas with *P.vivax* difficult in this population. If used as a primary prophylaxis, it negates the need for terminal prophylaxis, however, if another primary chemoprophylaxis is chosen, and relapsing malaria is a concern, it makes a good choice for terminal prophylaxis.

#### **4.3 Mefloquine**

Mefloquine hydrochloride is a methanol-quinoline oral antimalarial agent whose mechanism of action is not completely understood, but is thought to be similar to quinine

Malaria Chemoprophylaxis for the International Traveler, Current Options and Future Possibilities 145

dosing and can be used as a malarial chemoprophylaxis in areas with known chloroquine and mefloquine resistance (Kain et al., 2001). It does not have activity against the exoerythorcytic stages of malaria making it a less efficacious choice for areas of the world

Several studies have shown the efficacy of prophylactic doxycycline in the prevention of malaria. In a double-blind, placebo controlled study doxycycline had 99% efficacy in the prevention of malaria in soldiers in Irian Jaya, Indonesia (Ohrt et al., 1997). In a separate trial investigating the prophylactic efficacy of azithromycin vs. doxycycline in 213 adult volunteers in a malaria endemic area it was found that daily doxycycline had an efficacy of 92.6% vs. 82.7% for daily azithromycin (Andersen et al., 1998). In addition, doxycycline was

While generally well tolerated, the most common side effects of doxycycline are primarily gastrointestinal including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, glossitis, dysphagia, and rare instances of esophagitis and esophageal ulceration (Castelli et al., 2010). Doxycycline is a photosensitizing agent, and thus care must be taken to prevent over exposure to the sun while on this medication. Doxycycline also increases the risk for vaginal candidiasis by inhibiting the growth of natural vaginal flora. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial of 623 non-immune travelers requiring short-term malaria chemoprophylaxis, doxycycline demonstrated a comparable side-effect profile to atovaquone/proquanal (Schlagenhauf et al., 2003). Importantly however, this study used doxycycline monohydrate, the more expensive form of the drug that has a favorable gastrointestinal side-effect profile. The findings of this study should not be extrapolated to the use of doxycycline hyclate or the non-enteric coated forms of doxycycline, where tolerability would likely be less favorable and might affect adherence to this

The dosing for adults is 100mg daily. It is contraindicated in children under 8 years of age due to the risk of permanent discoloration of the teeth, and in pregnant or breast-feeding women due to the risk of toxicity to the fetus/infant (CDC, 2012). The recommended dosing for children 8 years of age is 2.2 mg/kg up to 100mg/day (CDC, 2012). Treatment should start one to two days before and last for 28 days after leaving an endemic area. Doxycycline should be taken with copious water to reduce the risk of esophagitis and may be taken with food to reduce GI side effects, although caution should be taken to avoid concomitant administration of antacids, magnesium salts, or bismuth subsalicylate as these may decrease intestinal absorption. The traveler should remain upright for at least 30 minutes following

Atovaquone and proguanil is a combination antimalarial that works by inhibiting parasite mitochondrial electron transport and parasitic DNA synthesis by inhibiting dihydrofolate reductase. Proguanil significantly enhances the ability of atovaquone to inhibit parasitic mitochondrial electron transport (Kain et al., 2001; McKeage & Scott, 2003; Srivastava &

Atovaquone/proguanil is a once daily medication that is effective against both the erythrocytic and exoerythorcytic stages of malaria making this an acceptable choice not only for *P. falciprum,* but also *P. vivax and P. ovale,* both of which have hepatic life cycles. The efficacy of atovaquone as a causal prophylaxis was seen in a small volunteer challenge study

administration to reduce the risk of esophageal irritation or ulceration.

**4.5 Atovaquone and proguanil hydrochloride** 

with endemic *P. vivax* and *P. ovale.* 

well tolerated in both of these studies.

chemoprophylactic drug.

Vaidya, 1999).

(Castelli et al., 2010). It acts as a blood schizonticide, making it highly effective against the erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium species, however it does not have any exoerythrocytic activity. Mefloquine has a long half-life, with the average being 21 days, thus only requiring once-weekly dosing. Mefloquine is effective against chloroquine resistant Plasmodium species, however there are some areas in SE Asia with known mefloquine resistance. Of note, mefloquine has been found to have serious neuropsychiatric adverse events, which limit its usefulness in certain populations (Castelli et al., 2010; Croft & Garner, 2008).

Mefloquine efficacy has been shown to be greater than 90% in multiple clinical trials (Kain, Shanks et al., 2001), the longest of which was in Peace-Corps volunteers in Africa during the early 1990's. In addition, a review of mefloquine trials found that it did prevent malaria in chloroquine resistant areas (Croft & Garner, 2000). Although an effective medication, the endemic risk of malaria, current resistance patterns, the drug's side effect profile and the patient's medical and psychiatric history should be carefully considered before prescribing mefloquine (Croft & Garner, 2000).

The mefloquine label lists many side effects, the most common of which are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. However, it also states that mefloquine can cause serious mental problems including anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, and suicidal thoughts. These psychiatric problems may lead to prophylaxis discontinuation, and should be considered when choosing the appropriate chemoprophylactic regimen. The high rate of side effects associated with mefloquine has been shown in several clinical trials including a randomized, double blind controlled study of 623 travelers. This study found that mefloquine had the highest rate of neuropsychiatric adverse events at 37%, with the highest proportion of the events in women. A retrospective study of 4240 patients taking malaria prophylaxis completed in 2009 also showed that mefloquine had the highest incidence of neuropsychiatric events among antimalarials, and that there were 22 deaths including 5 suicides associated with normal doses of the drug (Jacquerioz & Croft, 2009). There also have been clinical trials showing that mefloquine has a higher rate of discontinuation than either placebo (3.3% for mefloquine overall) or atovaquone and proguanil (5% vs. 3.9% of atovaquone and proguanil) due to GI upset, dizziness, and neuropsychological events (Kain et al., 2001; Hogh et al., 2000). Additionally, Mefloquine has been linked with an increased risk of seizures and cardiac arrhythmias, and a 2008 FDA post marketing review associated pneumonitis and eosinophilic pneumonia with the use of mefloquine (FDA, 2008).

Mefloquine is a safe choice for children and women. It is available in 250mg tablets, with the dose being 1 pill weekly for adults and for children over 45kg. Mefloquine should be taken with food or water. Prophylactic therapy should begin 2 weeks before travel to endemic areas, and must continue four weeks after leaving the area. The effectiveness of mefloquine against resistant species of plasmodium still makes it a good choice for travelers going to chloroquine resistant regions such as Africa, and the fact that it is safe in children and pregnant women make it a much more versatile drug. However, the neuropsychiatric adverse events and other side effects should be taken into account when choosing it as a prophylactic medication.

#### **4.4 Doxycycline**

Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic derived from oxytetracycline that acts on the 30S ribosome subunit thus disrupting protein synthesis, and has activity against not only bacteria, but several parasitic diseases as well. It has a short half-life, necessitating daily

(Castelli et al., 2010). It acts as a blood schizonticide, making it highly effective against the erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium species, however it does not have any exoerythrocytic activity. Mefloquine has a long half-life, with the average being 21 days, thus only requiring once-weekly dosing. Mefloquine is effective against chloroquine resistant Plasmodium species, however there are some areas in SE Asia with known mefloquine resistance. Of note, mefloquine has been found to have serious neuropsychiatric adverse events, which

Mefloquine efficacy has been shown to be greater than 90% in multiple clinical trials (Kain, Shanks et al., 2001), the longest of which was in Peace-Corps volunteers in Africa during the early 1990's. In addition, a review of mefloquine trials found that it did prevent malaria in chloroquine resistant areas (Croft & Garner, 2000). Although an effective medication, the endemic risk of malaria, current resistance patterns, the drug's side effect profile and the patient's medical and psychiatric history should be carefully considered before prescribing

The mefloquine label lists many side effects, the most common of which are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. However, it also states that mefloquine can cause serious mental problems including anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, and suicidal thoughts. These psychiatric problems may lead to prophylaxis discontinuation, and should be considered when choosing the appropriate chemoprophylactic regimen. The high rate of side effects associated with mefloquine has been shown in several clinical trials including a randomized, double blind controlled study of 623 travelers. This study found that mefloquine had the highest rate of neuropsychiatric adverse events at 37%, with the highest proportion of the events in women. A retrospective study of 4240 patients taking malaria prophylaxis completed in 2009 also showed that mefloquine had the highest incidence of neuropsychiatric events among antimalarials, and that there were 22 deaths including 5 suicides associated with normal doses of the drug (Jacquerioz & Croft, 2009). There also have been clinical trials showing that mefloquine has a higher rate of discontinuation than either placebo (3.3% for mefloquine overall) or atovaquone and proguanil (5% vs. 3.9% of atovaquone and proguanil) due to GI upset, dizziness, and neuropsychological events (Kain et al., 2001; Hogh et al., 2000). Additionally, Mefloquine has been linked with an increased risk of seizures and cardiac arrhythmias, and a 2008 FDA post marketing review associated

pneumonitis and eosinophilic pneumonia with the use of mefloquine (FDA, 2008).

Mefloquine is a safe choice for children and women. It is available in 250mg tablets, with the dose being 1 pill weekly for adults and for children over 45kg. Mefloquine should be taken with food or water. Prophylactic therapy should begin 2 weeks before travel to endemic areas, and must continue four weeks after leaving the area. The effectiveness of mefloquine against resistant species of plasmodium still makes it a good choice for travelers going to chloroquine resistant regions such as Africa, and the fact that it is safe in children and pregnant women make it a much more versatile drug. However, the neuropsychiatric adverse events and other side effects should be taken into account when choosing it as a

Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic derived from oxytetracycline that acts on the 30S ribosome subunit thus disrupting protein synthesis, and has activity against not only bacteria, but several parasitic diseases as well. It has a short half-life, necessitating daily

limit its usefulness in certain populations (Castelli et al., 2010; Croft & Garner, 2008).

mefloquine (Croft & Garner, 2000).

prophylactic medication.

**4.4 Doxycycline** 

dosing and can be used as a malarial chemoprophylaxis in areas with known chloroquine and mefloquine resistance (Kain et al., 2001). It does not have activity against the exoerythorcytic stages of malaria making it a less efficacious choice for areas of the world with endemic *P. vivax* and *P. ovale.* 

Several studies have shown the efficacy of prophylactic doxycycline in the prevention of malaria. In a double-blind, placebo controlled study doxycycline had 99% efficacy in the prevention of malaria in soldiers in Irian Jaya, Indonesia (Ohrt et al., 1997). In a separate trial investigating the prophylactic efficacy of azithromycin vs. doxycycline in 213 adult volunteers in a malaria endemic area it was found that daily doxycycline had an efficacy of 92.6% vs. 82.7% for daily azithromycin (Andersen et al., 1998). In addition, doxycycline was well tolerated in both of these studies.

While generally well tolerated, the most common side effects of doxycycline are primarily gastrointestinal including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, glossitis, dysphagia, and rare instances of esophagitis and esophageal ulceration (Castelli et al., 2010). Doxycycline is a photosensitizing agent, and thus care must be taken to prevent over exposure to the sun while on this medication. Doxycycline also increases the risk for vaginal candidiasis by inhibiting the growth of natural vaginal flora. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial of 623 non-immune travelers requiring short-term malaria chemoprophylaxis, doxycycline demonstrated a comparable side-effect profile to atovaquone/proquanal (Schlagenhauf et al., 2003). Importantly however, this study used doxycycline monohydrate, the more expensive form of the drug that has a favorable gastrointestinal side-effect profile. The findings of this study should not be extrapolated to the use of doxycycline hyclate or the non-enteric coated forms of doxycycline, where tolerability would likely be less favorable and might affect adherence to this chemoprophylactic drug.

The dosing for adults is 100mg daily. It is contraindicated in children under 8 years of age due to the risk of permanent discoloration of the teeth, and in pregnant or breast-feeding women due to the risk of toxicity to the fetus/infant (CDC, 2012). The recommended dosing for children 8 years of age is 2.2 mg/kg up to 100mg/day (CDC, 2012). Treatment should start one to two days before and last for 28 days after leaving an endemic area. Doxycycline should be taken with copious water to reduce the risk of esophagitis and may be taken with food to reduce GI side effects, although caution should be taken to avoid concomitant administration of antacids, magnesium salts, or bismuth subsalicylate as these may decrease intestinal absorption. The traveler should remain upright for at least 30 minutes following administration to reduce the risk of esophageal irritation or ulceration.

#### **4.5 Atovaquone and proguanil hydrochloride**

Atovaquone and proguanil is a combination antimalarial that works by inhibiting parasite mitochondrial electron transport and parasitic DNA synthesis by inhibiting dihydrofolate reductase. Proguanil significantly enhances the ability of atovaquone to inhibit parasitic mitochondrial electron transport (Kain et al., 2001; McKeage & Scott, 2003; Srivastava & Vaidya, 1999).

Atovaquone/proguanil is a once daily medication that is effective against both the erythrocytic and exoerythorcytic stages of malaria making this an acceptable choice not only for *P. falciprum,* but also *P. vivax and P. ovale,* both of which have hepatic life cycles. The efficacy of atovaquone as a causal prophylaxis was seen in a small volunteer challenge study

Malaria Chemoprophylaxis for the International Traveler, Current Options and Future Possibilities 147

Table 1. Malaria Prophylaxis Options

in which it was shown that parasites were eliminated prior to the establishment of erythrocytic infection, thus supporting causal efficacy (Shapiro et al., 1999). Atovaquone/proquanal has demonstrated efficacy for malaria prophylaxis in areas with predominantly *P. vivax* (Soto et al., 2006).

Atovaquone/proguanil's suppressive prophylaxis effectiveness has been shown in several clinical trials, three of which were among semi-immune populations in Gabon, Kenya, and Zambia and conducted as double-blinded, randomized, and placebo controlled trials, where overall efficacy of 98% in preventing malaria was observed in this population (Lell et al., 1998; Shanks et al., 1998; Sukwa et al., 1999; Kain et al., 2001). In two other large studies, in which non-immune travelers to malaria endemic regions were randomized to receive atovaquone/proguanil, mefloquine, or chloroquine plus proguanil, none of the patients in the atovaquone/proguanil arms who completed the study developed malaria (Hogh et al., 2000; Overbosch et al., 2001). It was also shown to be 100% effective against *P. falciparum* in non-immune Columbian soldiers (Soto et al., 2006). In a study of non-immune Indonesian immigrants, atovaquone/proguanil was 93% effective at preventing *P. falciparum* and 84% effective at preventing *P.vivax* (Ling et al., 2002).

The causal prophylactic activity of atovaquone/proguanil results in required dosing for only 1-week post exposure vs. up to 4 weeks with antimalarials that only have activity against the erythrocytic stage of the parasite, which may contribute to better adherence by travelers than some other malaria prophylaxis (Kain et al., 2001). In addition, the discontinuation rate due to side effects of the medication was found to be lower in atovaquone/proguanil then either mefloquine or chloroquine/proguanil (1.2%, vs. 5.0% and 0.2% vs. 2.0%, respectively) (Hogh et al., 2000; Overbosch et al., 2001). In a randomized control study, atovaquone/proguanil had a relatively low incidence of reported side effects compared to other available chemoprophylactic agents (Schlagenhauf et al., 2003). The most serious side effects of atovaquone/proguanil, although rare, include Steven-Johnson Syndrome, and a transient elevation of liver enzymes, while the most common were headache, abdominal pain, cough, diarrhea, and myalgias (McKeage & Scott, 2003).

Atovaquone/proguanil tablets are available in two formulations, adult and pediatric with the adult tablet containing 250mg of atovaquone and 100mg of proguanil, and the pediatric tablet containing 62.5 mg and 25mg of atovaquone and proguanil, respectively. Adult dosing is 1 adult tablet daily for 1-2 days before travel into an endemic area, daily throughout the stay, and then for 7 days once out of the endemic area. Dosing in the pediatric population is the same as for adults, except the number of pediatric tablets given daily is weight based. Atovaquone is highly a lipophilic compound in which the rate and extent of absorption is increased when taken with dietary fat, thus atovaquone/proguanil should be taken with food or a milky drink. While the safety of atovaquone/proguanil in the adult and pediatric populations has been shown through clinical trials, the safety during pregnancy is unknown and is contraindicated in this population. In addition, this medication should be avoided in mother's breastfeeding infants under 5kg and should not be used in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min).

While there are some case reports of resistance, in general atovaquone/proguanil is an efficacious, well-tolerated medication that should be considered first line in chloroquine and mefloquine resistant areas. The cost is higher than with other antimalarial chemoprophylactic drugs, which may limit its use in certain circumstances. Once atovaquone/proguanil becomes generic, this drug may be a more affordable option for malaria chemoprophylaxis in the future.


Table 1. Malaria Prophylaxis Options

146 Current Topics in Tropical Medicine

in which it was shown that parasites were eliminated prior to the establishment of erythrocytic infection, thus supporting causal efficacy (Shapiro et al., 1999). Atovaquone/proquanal has demonstrated efficacy for malaria prophylaxis in areas with

Atovaquone/proguanil's suppressive prophylaxis effectiveness has been shown in several clinical trials, three of which were among semi-immune populations in Gabon, Kenya, and Zambia and conducted as double-blinded, randomized, and placebo controlled trials, where overall efficacy of 98% in preventing malaria was observed in this population (Lell et al., 1998; Shanks et al., 1998; Sukwa et al., 1999; Kain et al., 2001). In two other large studies, in which non-immune travelers to malaria endemic regions were randomized to receive atovaquone/proguanil, mefloquine, or chloroquine plus proguanil, none of the patients in the atovaquone/proguanil arms who completed the study developed malaria (Hogh et al., 2000; Overbosch et al., 2001). It was also shown to be 100% effective against *P. falciparum* in non-immune Columbian soldiers (Soto et al., 2006). In a study of non-immune Indonesian immigrants, atovaquone/proguanil was 93% effective at preventing *P. falciparum* and 84%

The causal prophylactic activity of atovaquone/proguanil results in required dosing for only 1-week post exposure vs. up to 4 weeks with antimalarials that only have activity against the erythrocytic stage of the parasite, which may contribute to better adherence by travelers than some other malaria prophylaxis (Kain et al., 2001). In addition, the discontinuation rate due to side effects of the medication was found to be lower in atovaquone/proguanil then either mefloquine or chloroquine/proguanil (1.2%, vs. 5.0% and 0.2% vs. 2.0%, respectively) (Hogh et al., 2000; Overbosch et al., 2001). In a randomized control study, atovaquone/proguanil had a relatively low incidence of reported side effects compared to other available chemoprophylactic agents (Schlagenhauf et al., 2003). The most serious side effects of atovaquone/proguanil, although rare, include Steven-Johnson Syndrome, and a transient elevation of liver enzymes, while the most common were

headache, abdominal pain, cough, diarrhea, and myalgias (McKeage & Scott, 2003).

be used in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min).

While there are some case reports of resistance, in general atovaquone/proguanil is an efficacious, well-tolerated medication that should be considered first line in chloroquine and mefloquine resistant areas. The cost is higher than with other antimalarial chemoprophylactic drugs, which may limit its use in certain circumstances. Once atovaquone/proguanil becomes generic, this drug may be a more affordable option for

Atovaquone/proguanil tablets are available in two formulations, adult and pediatric with the adult tablet containing 250mg of atovaquone and 100mg of proguanil, and the pediatric tablet containing 62.5 mg and 25mg of atovaquone and proguanil, respectively. Adult dosing is 1 adult tablet daily for 1-2 days before travel into an endemic area, daily throughout the stay, and then for 7 days once out of the endemic area. Dosing in the pediatric population is the same as for adults, except the number of pediatric tablets given daily is weight based. Atovaquone is highly a lipophilic compound in which the rate and extent of absorption is increased when taken with dietary fat, thus atovaquone/proguanil should be taken with food or a milky drink. While the safety of atovaquone/proguanil in the adult and pediatric populations has been shown through clinical trials, the safety during pregnancy is unknown and is contraindicated in this population. In addition, this medication should be avoided in mother's breastfeeding infants under 5kg and should not

predominantly *P. vivax* (Soto et al., 2006).

effective at preventing *P.vivax* (Ling et al., 2002).

malaria chemoprophylaxis in the future.

Malaria Chemoprophylaxis for the International Traveler, Current Options and Future Possibilities 149

As outlined in this chapter, there are only five available options for malaria chemoprophylaxis in the United States, one of which, primaquine, is not FDA approved for this indication. Emerging resistance, traveler intolerance, non-adherence, side effects and contraindications to existing options warrant development of newer agents for future

Resistance to existing drugs is well documented. Wide spread chloroquine resistance has led to the use of this drug in only very limited areas of the world, and mefloquine resistance continues to emerge. Doxycycline resistance has not been established and there is no well accepted definition or validated approach to measuring primaquine resistance (Baird, 2009). Primaquine tolerant or refractory strains of *P. vivax* have been well described, notably the Chesson strain from New Guinea (Collins & Jeffery, 1996). As resistance continues to emerge among existing options for the prevention of malaria, the importance of developing new and effective chemoprophylactic drugs for the

There are very few candidates currently being developed for malaria chemoprophylaxis, and the last FDA approval for this indication, atovoquone/proquanil, was over ten years ago in 2000. Doxycycline and mefloquine received FDA approval for malaria chemoprophylaxis in the preceding 11 years prior to the atovoquone/proquanil approval. The current lack of development of drugs for this indication is unprecedented and is cause

Many reasons have been postulated for the lack of candidates in the developmental pipeline for the chemoprophylaxis indication. Obvious barriers are the lack of market incentive for this indication, although it is clear that the number of international non-immune travelers visiting endemic malarious regions has increased substantially in the last few decades, with case fatality rates ranging from 1-3% for falciparum malaria (Chen & Keystone, 2005). One challenge that has been attributed to stalled development in this area is the 5th Amendment to the Declaration of Helsinki (DH2000). First adopted by the World Medical Association (WMA) in 1964, the Declaration of Helsinki was an attempt to formally identify core ethical principles and guidelines for physicians and others involved in the design, execution and oversight of clinical research (Carlson et al., 2004). Principles relating to the use of placebo in clinical trials, post-trial access to investigational drugs, and social benefit as defined in DH2000, have presented challenges to existing models and development strategies for antimalarial chemoprophylactic drugs. Strategies to address these challenges in clinical

Azithromycin, piperaquine, and tafenoquine have all been suggested as possible future chemoprophylactic drugs (Dow et al., 2008). Azithromycin has shown some promise, however future study is needed with combination agents to clarify its role for this indication

Tafenoquine, an 8-aminquinolone is a synthetic analogue of primaquine. First developed by the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research as WR238605 or etaquine, tafenoquine has a very long elimination half-life of approximately 14 days allowing weekly dosing. This novel compound shows promise for causal chemoprophylaxis against *P. falciparum* and *P. vivax*, as well as radical cure of *P. vivax.* It has been shown in rhesus monkeys to have 10x higher potency than primaquine for causal prophylaxis, and has demonstrated greater activity against blood and liver-stage parasites *in vitro.* (Cooper et al., 1994; Shanks et al., 2001).

**6. Existing challenges and future possibilities** 

chemoprophylactic use.

for great concern.

(Chen & Keystone, 2005).

international traveler becomes critical.

development have been proposed (Dow et al., 2008).
