Efficacy of monthly tafenoquine for prophylaxis of Plasmodium vivax and multidrug-resistant P. falciparum malaria.

Abstract

We assessed monthly doses of tafenoquine for preventing Plasmodium vivax and multidrug-resistant P. falciparum malaria. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 205 Thai soldiers received either a loading dose of tafenoquine 400 mg (base) daily for 3 days, followed by single monthly 400-mg doses (n = 104), or placebo (n = 101), for up to 5 consecutive months. In volunteers completing follow-up (96 tafenoquine and 91 placebo recipients), there were 22 P. vivax, 8 P. falciparum, and 1 mixed infection. All infections except 1 P. vivax occurred in placebo recipients, giving tafenoquine a protective efficacy of 97% for all malaria (95% confidence interval [CI], 82%-99%), 96% for P. vivax malaria (95% CI, 76%-99%), and 100% for P. falciparum malaria (95% CI, 60%-100%). Monthly tafenoquine was safe, well tolerated, and highly effective in preventing P. vivax and multidrug-resistant P. falciparum malaria in Thai soldiers during 6 months of prophylaxis.

• Authors: Douglas S Walsh, Chirapa Eamsila, Theerayuth Sasiprapha, Suebpong Sangkharomya, Pradith Khaewsathien, Panpaka Supakalin, Douglas B Tang, Phongsak Jarasrumgsichol, Chainarong Cherdchu, Michael D Edstein, Karl H Rieckmann, Thomas G Brewer
• Journal: The Journal of infectious diseases (J Infect Dis) Vol. 190 Issue 8 Pg. 1456-63 (Oct 15 2004) ISSN: 0022-1899 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15378438 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.)
• Copyright: Copyright 2004 Infectious Diseases Society of America

Chemical References

• Aminoquinolines
• Antimalarials
• tafenoquine

Topics

• Administration, Oral
• Aminoquinolines (therapeutic use)
• Animals
• Antimalarials (therapeutic use)
• Double-Blind Method
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Drug Resistance, Multiple
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Malaria, Falciparum (prevention & control)
• Malaria, Vivax (prevention & control)
• Military Personnel
• Plasmodium falciparum (drug effects)
• Thailand
• Treatment Outcome