Tips On Malaria, A ‘Must Read’ For All By Sullivan Okunamiri

Malaria is a common but deadly infection in hot, tropical areas of the world. Read this interesting tips compiled by Dr. Sullivan Okunamiri;

ACTs (Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies) can be rendered less effective in individuals with malaria if taken with multivitamins that contain constituents such as Vitamin C, B-carotene, Vitamin E and Iron.

Most multivitamin preparations contain some amount of minerals and trace element such as zinc, copper and iron, as well as vitamins that interact with some constituents of ACTs, rendering the malaria drug less effective.

No doubt, supplements which contain L-lysine, Vitamins B1, B6, B12 and Sorbitol, ARE IDEAL FOR MALARIA PATIENTS, as they PROMOTE APPETITE, QUICK RECOVERY and do not hinder the activity of the antimalarial drug.But many multivitamins also contain antioxidants such as Vitamin C, B-Carotene and Vitamin E and so are better continued after the ACT is completed because they can cause this antimalarial drug to be less absorbed by body.

SOME MEDICINES ARE BETTER USED AFTER A MEAL. Incidentally, ONE OF SUCH DRUGS IS ACT.

Experts have evidences to show that food, especially those with fat, enhances the efficacy of ACT. The effect is more pronounced with lumefantrine.

“With ACTs, timing is important. THE SECOND DOSE OF THE ACT for instance SHOULD BE TAKEN EIGHT HOURS AFTER, not before or after. THE TIMING AFFECTS IT’S ABSORPTION AND BIOAVAILABILITY.

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The second dose taken eight hours after is to reinforce the first dose to ensure the body is rid of malaria parasite.”

Dr Bala Mohammed, a malaria expert, remarked that IN A CASE WHERE A PERSON VOMITS ACT WITHIN 30 MINUTES OF ADMINISTRATION, IT SHOULD BE REPEATED.

According to him, this is to ensure adequate malaria treatment.

Nonetheless, Dr Mohammed emphasized that the use of ACT is DISCOURAGED IN PREGNANT WOMEN UNTIL THEY ARE IN THEIR SECOND OR THIRD TRIMESTER. “There are alternative medicines to treat malaria in pregnancy,” he declared.