**Core Concept**
Pyronaridine is an antimalarial drug that belongs to the class of synthetic aminoquinolines. It works by inhibiting the parasite's ability to synthesize heme, a key component of hemoglobin, thereby disrupting the parasite's life cycle.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Pyronaridine acts by targeting the parasite's heme detoxification pathway, specifically inhibiting the enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) involved in pyrimidine synthesis. This inhibition disrupts the parasite's ability to synthesize heme, ultimately leading to its death. Pyronaridine is often used in combination with other antimalarial drugs to enhance its efficacy.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect as pyronaridine is not a quinoline antimalarial, which is a different class of antimalarial drugs.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect as pyronaridine does not work by inhibiting the parasite's ATP production.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect as pyronaridine is not a proguanil derivative.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Pyronaridine is often used in combination with other antimalarial drugs, such as piperaquine, to enhance its efficacy and reduce the risk of resistance development.
**Correct Answer: D. Pyronaridine is a synthetic aminoquinoline antimalarial drug that works by inhibiting the parasite's heme detoxification pathway.**
Free Medical MCQs Β· NEET PG Β· USMLE Β· AIIMS
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