NCIt definition : An orally active 4-aminoquinoline derivative with antimalarial and anti-inflammatory
properties. Similar in structure and activity to chloroquine, amodiaquine is effective
against some chloroquine-resistant strains, particularly Plasmodium falciparum, the
most deadly malaria parasite. Although the mechanism of plasmodicidal action has not
been fully elucidated, like other quinoline derivatives, amodiaquine likely is able
to inhibit heme polymerase activity in the body. This results in accumulation of free
heme, which is toxic to the parasites.;