TAKING CERTAIN ANTIMALARIALS WITH FRUITS

You have often heard your doctor or pharmacist advising you not to take certain antimalarials with fruits or Vitamin C tablets and you wonder why.

Malaria is a serious and potentially fatal disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite, transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were an estimated 229 million cases of malaria worldwide in 2019, with an estimated 409,000 deaths.

Artemether is an antimalarial drug commonly used to treat malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, the most deadly species of the parasite. However, it is advised that artemether-based antimalarials should not be taken with vitamin C or fruits, such as grapefruit, orange, or pomelo. In this blog post, we will discuss the reasons behind this advice and the potential risks of combining artemether with vitamin C or fruits.

Artemether is a member of the artemisinin family of drugs, which are extracted from the sweet wormwood plant (Artemisia annua). Artemether works by targeting the Plasmodium parasite in its active form, killing it before it has a chance to multiply and cause further damage to the body. The drug is rapidly absorbed by the body and has a short half-life, meaning it is eliminated quickly from the bloodstream.

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in the body's immune system. It is found in a variety of fruits and vegetables, including citrus fruits, kiwi, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli. Vitamin C is water-soluble, meaning it dissolves in water, and excess amounts are excreted in the urine.

When artemether and vitamin C are taken together, there is a risk of reduced efficacy of the antimalarial drug. This is because vitamin C can increase the body's production of enzymes that break down artemether, leading to decreased concentrations of the drug in the bloodstream. In turn, this can reduce the drug's effectiveness in killing the Plasmodium parasite and treating malaria.

In addition, the combination of artemether with fruits such as grapefruit, orange, or pomelo can also pose a risk. These fruits contain compounds called furanocoumarins, which can inhibit the activity of enzymes that break down artemether. As a result, the concentration of the drug in the bloodstream can increase, leading to potential side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and headaches.

It is important to note that the risk of interactions between artemether and vitamin C or fruits varies depending on the individual and the specific antimalarial drug used. Therefore, it is always essential to consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication or supplements


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