ABSTRACT
Synthetic antimalarials (SAM) are a family of drugs whose origins can be traced to the cinchona tree. The parent compound, quinine, is derived from the bark of this tree. Currently, SAMs are used instead of quinine. The most important agents in this group are chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, and quinacrine, which were synthesized during the first half of the twentieth century and introduced as antimalarial drugs in 1930. Today, the therapeutic indications of SAM are much wider; aside from their antiprotozoan activity, these agents are well known for their therapeutic effect as first-line or adjuvant drugs in the treatment of several inflammatory dermatoses and connective tissue diseases. For almost 60 years, a great deal of knowledge has been accumulated in the application of SAM in dermatological practice. Additionally, several dermatological and systemic side effects of SAM treatment have emerged and should be considered.
