RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of naphthoquine, artemisinine and a combination of the two drugs in the treatment of faciparum malaria. METHODS: Of 230 patients, 100 patients were treated with combined regime (Co-NQ), 100 patients were treated with naphthoquine (NQ) and 30 patients were treated with artemisinine (QHS). All patients were hospitalized for 7 days and followed up for 28 days. RESULTS: The mean fever clearance time for Co-NQ, NQ, and QHS was (17.5 +/- 12.3)h, (32.7 +/- 17.7)h and (18.1 +/- 9.7)h respectively; the mean parasite clearance time was (30.0 +/- 8.8)h, (45.5 +/- 10.0)h and (29.1 +/- 6.0)h respectively; and the 28 days cure rate was 97.0%, 100.0% and 66.7% respectively. CONCLUSION: The Co-NQ possesses benefits of both naphthoquine and artemisinine, acting rapidly, with a short course of only one dose and a high cure rate. The regime is well tolerated by patients.
