Antimalarial

While originally designed for the treatment of malaria, these medications have found a place in the treatment of various rheumatic disorders due to their effect on lymphocytes, white blood cells that trigger certain types of inflammation. These medications are slow-acting, exerting their effect over a period of several months but generally serve to stabilize the course of the illness being treated. Anti-malarial drugs used in the field of rheumatology include amodiaquine, hydroxychloroquine, and quinacrine.