Which antimalarial drug can be safely administered in baby with glucose–6–phosphagte dehydrogenase deficiency ?
**Core Concept**
Glucose-6-phosphatase dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a genetic disorder that affects the enzyme responsible for protecting red blood cells from oxidative damage. Antimalarial drugs can trigger hemolysis in individuals with G6PD deficiency, making it crucial to select a safe medication for patients with this condition.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Primaquine is a 8-aminoquinoline antimalarial drug that is contraindicated in individuals with G6PD deficiency due to its potential to cause hemolysis. However, **Mefloquine** is considered safe for use in patients with G6PD deficiency, as it does not significantly affect red blood cell metabolism. This is because mefloquine is not oxidatively metabolized in the liver, unlike primaquine, which can lead to hemolysis in G6PD-deficient individuals.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Primaquine is contraindicated in G6PD deficiency due to its risk of triggering hemolysis. It is not a safe choice for a baby with this condition.
**Option B:** Chloroquine is another antimalarial drug, but its safety profile in G6PD deficiency is not well established, and it may still pose a risk of hemolysis.
**Option C:** Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are generally considered safe in G6PD deficiency, but mefloquine is a more specific and safer option for use in this condition.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
When prescribing antimalarial medications to patients with G6PD deficiency, it's essential to consider the specific enzyme deficiency and choose medications that do not pose a risk of hemolysis.
**Correct Answer: C. Mefloquine**