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Updated: May 27, 2026
09:57
Measuring Naturally Acquired Phagocytosis-Inducing Antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum Parasites by a Flow Cytometry-Based Assay
Published on: August 6, 2020
Prophylactic use of antimalarials during pregnancy
Marie-Hélène Irvine1, Adrienne Einarson, Pina Bozzo
1Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Ont.
Canadian Family Physician Medecin De Famille Canadien
|November 16, 2011
Summary
Pregnant women traveling to malaria-endemic regions should prioritize mosquito bite prevention. If travel is unavoidable, chloroquine or mefloquine are safe malaria prophylaxis options during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Medical research
- Tropical medicine
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
Background:
- Pregnant individuals often travel to malaria-endemic areas.
- Malaria poses significant risks during pregnancy.
- Safe and effective malaria prophylaxis options for pregnant women are crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify safe malaria prophylaxis medications for pregnant patients.
- To evaluate the safety of various antimalarial drugs across all trimesters of pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing evidence and clinical guidelines on antimalarial drug safety in pregnancy.
- Analysis of data regarding the risks and benefits of specific chemoprophylaxis regimens.
Main Results:
- Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are safe for malaria prophylaxis in all pregnancy trimesters.
- Mefloquine is recommended for chloroquine-resistant areas, with no increased fetal risk identified.
- Atovaquone-proguanil shows limited data suggesting fetal safety, but is not currently recommended.
Conclusions:
- Avoid travel to malaria-endemic regions during pregnancy if possible.
- If travel is necessary, implement mosquito bite prevention and appropriate chemoprophylaxis.
- Chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, and mefloquine are considered safe options for pregnant travelers.
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