**Core Concept**
Quinine and its derivatives, as well as other antimalarial agents, are used to treat chloroquine-resistant malaria in pregnancy. However, the safety and efficacy of these medications must be carefully considered due to potential risks to the fetus.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The drug of choice for chloroquine-resistant malaria in pregnancy is **artemether-lumefantrine**. This combination therapy is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in pregnant women with chloroquine-resistant strains. The artemether component rapidly reduces the parasite load, while lumefantrine provides a longer duration of action to prevent recrudescence. The combination is generally considered safe in pregnancy, although it should only be used under close supervision.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Quinine is a viable alternative for treating malaria in pregnancy but is not the preferred choice due to its potential for causing hypoglycemia and other side effects.
**Option B:** Atovaquone-proguanil is an effective antimalarial regimen, but it is not the preferred choice for pregnant women due to limited data on its safety in this population.
**Option C:** Mefloquine is another option for treating malaria in pregnancy, but it is not the first-line treatment for chloroquine-resistant strains and carries a risk of neuropsychiatric side effects.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
When prescribing antimalarial medications in pregnancy, it is essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and to closely monitor the patient for signs of adverse effects.
**Correct Answer: D. Artemether-lumefantrine.**
Free Medical MCQs Β· NEET PG Β· USMLE Β· AIIMS
Access thousands of free MCQs, ebooks and daily exams.
By signing in you agree to our Privacy Policy.