azithromycin + chloroquine

Azithromycin + chloroquine is a fixed-dose combination of two small-molecule drugs, azithromycin (a macrolide antibiotic) and chloroquine (an antimalarial agent). This combination has been developed primarily for the treatment and prevention of malaria, including in areas with chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum. Azithromycin acts by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis via binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, while also exhibiting some antimalarial activity through delayed death effects on parasites. Chloroquine interferes with parasite heme detoxification within erythrocytes, leading to toxic buildup and parasite death. The combination may provide additive or synergistic effects against malaria parasites and can also help prevent or treat concurrent bacterial infections. It has been studied as a weekly prophylactic regimen in pregnancy and for uncomplicated malaria treatment[1][2][5][7][8]. Cardiac safety concerns exist due to potential QT prolongation when these agents are combined[3][6].

Other names

azithromycin-chloroquine fixed-dose combination