Under the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), which of the following is the drug of choice for treatment of severe malaria in adults?
- A Chloroquine
- B Mefloquine
- C Artesunate ✓
- D Primaquine
Correct answer: C. Artesunate
Explanation
Under NVBDCP, artesunate is the drug of choice for severe malaria in adults. It is given parenterally (intravenous or intramuscular) and has been shown to reduce mortality compared to quinine. Chloroquine is not used for severe malaria due to resistance. Mefloquine is not recommended for severe malaria. Primaquine is used for radical cure of vivax malaria, not severe disease.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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