Atabrine, also known as quinacrine, is a medication commonly used as an anti-malarial drug. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /əˈtæbriːn/. The "a" in the first syllable is pronounced as a schwa sound, and the "a" in the second syllable is pronounced as a short "a" sound. The "i" in the third syllable is pronounced as a long "e" sound, and the final "e" is silent. This medication is effective in treating malaria caused by multiple strains of the parasite, but it can also cause various side effects such as yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Atabrine is a synthetic drug that is primarily used to treat and prevent malaria infections. Also known by its generic name, quinacrine, Atabrine belongs to the class of medications called antimalarials. It works by interfering with the growth and reproduction of the malaria-causing parasites within the body.
The drug is available in several forms, including tablets and injections, and is typically administered orally. Atabrine is widely used as a prophylactic agent, which means it is given to individuals traveling to or residing in areas where malaria is prevalent to prevent the occurrence of the disease. It is also employed as a therapeutic treatment for patients with diagnosed malaria infections.
Atabrine has been effective in providing relief from symptoms associated with malaria, such as fever, chills, and joint pain. However, the drug may have various side effects, including nausea, vomiting, headaches, and dizziness. It is crucial for individuals taking Atabrine to carefully follow the dosage instructions and complete the full course of treatment to ensure its maximum effectiveness.
While Atabrine is primarily used to combat malaria, it has also been investigated for its potential therapeutic effects in other conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Further research is still being conducted to explore its potential applications beyond antimalarial use.
The word "atabrine" is derived from the drug's chemical name, which is "quinacrine". Quinacrine is an antimalarial drug that was developed in the early 1930s. The term "atabrine" is a combination of "antimalarial" and "brylene", which was a part of the drug's chemical structure. The brand name "Atabrine" was used by the pharmaceutical company Winthrop-Stearns when the drug was first marketed. Over time, the term "atabrine" became synonymous with the drug itself.