Thenalidine is an antimalarial drug used to treat malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. It is an alkaloid derived from the shrub Alstonia scholaris, and is a type of quinoline. It is a racemic mixture of two enantiomers, the (+) and (-) forms, and is generally used in combination with other antimalarials, such as sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. It is available in tablet and oral suspension form.
Thenalidine was an antihistamine medication that was also used to relieve itching. It was withdrawn from the market in 1963 due to safety concerns.
Here's a more detailed description of Thenalidine:
- Type of drug: Antihistamine with anticholinergic properties
- What it was used for: Itch relief (antipruritic)
- Why it was withdrawn: Risk of neutropenia (a decrease in the number of white blood cells)
- Years marketed: Until 1963 (withdrawn from the US, Canadian, and UK markets)
Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification
D - Dermatologicals
D04 Antipruritics, including antihistamines, anesthetics, etc.
D04A - Antipruritics, including antihistamines, anesthetics, etc.
D04AA Antihistamines for topical use
ATC Code
Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification
R - Respiratory system
R06 Antihistamines for systemic use
R06A - Antihistamines for systemic use
R06AX Other antihistamines for systemic use
ATC Code
Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification
R - Respiratory system
R06 Antihistamines for systemic use
R06A - Antihistamines for systemic use
R06AX Other antihistamines for systemic use
ATC Code
External Links
Thenalidine