Acridine Derivatives

Antimalarials - Synthesis and Drug Profile

Acridine Derivatives

Quinacrine

Synthesis

Mode of action: Quinacrine acts at many sites within the cell, including intercalation of DNA strands, succinic dehydrogenase, mitochondrial electron transport, and cholinesterase. It may be tumerogenic and mutagenic and has been used as a sclerosing agent. Because it is an acridine dye, quinacrine can cause yellow discolouration of the skin and urine.

Properties and uses: It acts as a schizontocidal and now it is not used as an antimalarial agent. It is used in the treatment of leishmaniasis and some tape worm infestations.