Dr. Abhijit MBBS , General Physician

Malabest contains chloroquine. It has antimalarial, amebicidal, and immunosuppressant activity. It is presumed that Malabest works by increasing pH in the acid vesicles of parasite which interferes in the parasite's ability to break down and digest hemoglobin. Malarial parasites need hemoglobin for growth and survival. This results in starvation and death of parasites. Malabest works in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by suppressing the immune system which provides relief to the patient from pain and inflammation. However, the exact mechanism how it works in these autoimmune diseases is still unknown.

Dr Anjum Mujawar MBBS, MBBS , Emergency Medicine

Yes, Malabest can be taken with diclofenac. No harmful drug interaction has been reported between them. However, if you feel any discomfort after taking this drug do not hesitate to inform your doctor.

Dr. Roshni Poonja MBBS , General Physician, Internal Medicine

Rarely, Malabest causes hair loss (alopecia). This problem goes away after discontinuation of this drug. For partial hair loss, you are advised to use hair tonic and discuss with the doctor for best possible treatment to hair loss.

Dr. Saurabh Dhamdhere MBBS , Orthopedics

Yes, Malabest has been reported to cause tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and also hearing loss which is reversible and goes away after discontinuation of this drug. It is a known side effect of this drug. If you experience ringing in the ears after taking this medicine, then inform your doctor about without any further delay.

Dr. Chinmaya Bal MBBS , General Physician

Yes, Malabest is used to prevent and treat malaria caused by parasites (Plasmodium species). Malabest works by increasing pH in the acid vesicles of parasite which interferes in the parasite's ability to break down and digest hemoglobin. Malarial parasites need hemoglobin for growth and survival, this results in starvation and death of parasites. Hence in this way, it prevents us from malaria.