Antimalarial medications are a collection of pharmaceutical drugs designed to prevent and treat malaria, a life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. These medications are crucial in the global fight against malaria, particularly in regions where the disease is endemic. Antimalarial drugs work by targeting different stages of the parasite's lifecycle within the human body, thereby preventing the disease from progressing or eliminating the infection altogether.

The collection of antimalarial medications includes several classes of drugs, each with distinct mechanisms of action. Some of the most commonly used antimalarials are chloroquine, artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), mefloquine, and atovaquone-proguanil. Chloroquine, once a frontline treatment, is now less effective in many areas due to resistance. ACTs, which combine artemisinin with another antimalarial, are currently the most effective treatment for Plasmodium falciparum malaria, the deadliest form of the disease. Mefloquine and atovaquone-proguanil are often used for both treatment and prophylaxis, especially for travelers to malaria-endemic regions.

These medications are available in various forms, including tablets, injectables, and syrups, to accommodate different patient needs and preferences. The choice of antimalarial drug depends on several factors, including the specific malaria species, the severity of the disease, the patient's age and health status, and the presence of drug resistance in the area. While antimalarial medications are generally effective, their use must be carefully managed to prevent the development of drug resistance and ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.