Methaemoglobin results from the oxidation of ferrous to ferric iron in the centre of the haem moeity of haemoglobin. The production of dose-dependent methaemoglobinaemia by 8-aminoquinoline antimalarial drugs appears to be associated with, but is not directly linked to, therapeutic efficacy against latent Plasmodium vivax and P. ovale malarias (radical cure). Iatrogenic methaemoglobinaemia may be a useful pharmacodynamic measure in 8-aminoquinoline drug and dose optimization.
Journal article
British journal of clinical pharmacology
07/01/2022
Mahidol Oxford Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.