INN monograph
Amodiaquine
4-aminoquinoline antimalarial (ACT partner) · POM
Verified · Updated 01 Aug 2026 · Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; Batch A alphabetical research (INN; confirm vs SmPC/local guidelines); Professional class pharmacology (Antimalarial)
Kenya market
Wholesale / list prices where loaded
Risk first
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to 4-amino quinolines
- history of hepatitis or agranulocytosis during a previous treatment with amodiaquin, history of previous drug induced agranulocytosis.
Precautions
- Confirm species and severity.
- ECG risk with some agents (quinine, piperaquine).
- Pregnancy: follow Kenya/WHO trimester-specific ACT guidance.
- Vomiting within 30–60 min may need redosing per protocol.
Point of care
Dosing
Adult
Dosing is indication-, age-, weight- and organ-function-specific for this INN. Do not use class averages for high-risk patients. Confirm the exact regimen in the current SmPC and Kenya Standard Treatment Guidelines. Typical professional workflow: (1) confirm indication, (2) check renal/hepatic function, (3) screen interactions/allergies, (4) select dose/route/duration, (5) define monitoring.
Paediatric
Weight-banded charts.
Renal
Caution.
- CrCl 0–120: See renal_dose_adjustment; confirm product SmPC.
Hepatic
Avoid if prior severe AQ hepatitis/agranulocytosis.
Safety
Drug interactions
- Kenya: follow current MoH malaria guidelines for uncomplicated vs severe disease.
- Test before treat when feasible.
- Complete full ACT course.
- Severe malaria is an emergency — parenteral artesunate, not oral therapy alone.
Safety
Adverse effects
- Agranulocytosis and other blood dyscrasias, hepatitis, peripheral neuropathy, haemolytic anemia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy.
- If frequently administered it may cause corneal deposits, visual disturbances, bluish-gray pigmentation of the fingernails, skin and palate.
- These disappear slowly after stopping treatment.
- Irreversible retinopathy after long-term therapy.
Use
Indications
- Acute malaria.
- It is effective against some chloroquine resistant strains of plasmodium falciparum.
- Clinical selection for Amodiaquine should follow culture results where relevant, Kenya STG/EML recommendations, and the current product SmPC.
- Class context: 4-aminoquinoline antimalarial (ACT partner).
- Confirm site-specific dose, duration and monitoring before prescribing.
Pharmacology
Mode of action
Artemisinins generate carbon-centred free radicals after activation by parasite haem-iron, damaging parasite proteins and membranes — rapid blood schizonticidal effect.
Full mechanism text
Artemisinins generate carbon-centred free radicals after activation by parasite haem-iron, damaging parasite proteins and membranes — rapid blood schizonticidal effect. Partner drugs (lumefantrine, piperaquine, etc.) provide longer-acting clearance of residual parasites. Other classes act on haem detoxification, electron transport, or folate pathways depending on agent.
ADME
Pharmacokinetics & PD
| Onset | Hours (artemisinins rapid parasite clearance) |
|---|---|
| Duration | Regimen-dependent (ACT 3 days typical) |
| Route | ORAL / PARENTERAL (severe malaria) |
| Absorption | enhanced by fat-containing food. Complex |
| Metabolism | (CYP3A4) for several partners. Severe malaria: parenteral artesunate preferred first-line in most guidelines. |
Kenya
Brands & prices
| Brand | Company | Pack | KES |
|---|---|---|---|
| No brands linked yet. | |||
Special populations
Pregnancy & lactation
Pregnancy
Treat malaria — untreated infection risks mother and fetus. Use trimester-appropriate regimens per Kenya MoH / WHO.
Lactation
Most first-line ACTs compatible; continue breastfeeding with maternal treatment.
Diet
Food & alcohol
- Administration / food notes With food if GI upset.
Trust
Sources & disclaimer
Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; Batch A alphabetical research (INN; confirm vs SmPC/local guidelines); Professional class pharmacology (Antimalarial)
Last reviewed: 01 Aug 2026
Decision support only — not a substitute for clinical judgment, product SmPC, or Kenya STG/EML.