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Malaria chemoprophylaxis regimens: a descriptive drug utilization study
Marlene Bloechliger1, Patricia Schlagenhauf2, Stephen Toovey3
1Basel Pharmacoepidemiology Unit, Division of Clinical Pharmacy & Epidemiology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University Basel, Switzerland.
Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease
|June 18, 2014
Summary
Atovaquone/proguanil was the most common malaria prevention drug. Mefloquine prescribing observed contraindications, though occasionally used in children and pregnant women.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacovigilance and Drug Utilization Studies
- Travel Medicine
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- Mefloquine is a key malaria chemoprophylaxis medication for travelers.
- Understanding prescribing patterns is crucial for optimizing malaria prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the prescribing patterns of mefloquine and other antimalarials.
- To assess the utilization of different antimalarial drugs in a real-world setting.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive drug utilization study was performed using the U.K. Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD).
- Prescribing data for mefloquine, atovaquone/proguanil, chloroquine/proguanil, and doxycycline from 2001-2012 were analyzed.
- Patient characteristics, including comorbidities and demographic factors, were examined.
Main Results:
- Atovaquone/proguanil was the most frequently prescribed antimalarial (65.6%), followed by mefloquine (15.3%).
- Mefloquine was prescribed to a notable proportion of children (<12 years) and pregnant/postpartum women.
- While most contraindications were observed, mefloquine was occasionally prescribed to patients with pre-existing neuropsychiatric disorders or severe liver disease.
Conclusions:
- Atovaquone/proguanil dominated antimalarial prescriptions.
- Mefloquine prescribing generally adhered to contraindications, but use in specific populations like children and pregnant women was observed.
- Further research may be warranted on the safety and efficacy of mefloquine in these populations.
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