Amodiaquine, a 4-aminoquinoline similar to chloroquine in structure and activity, is an antimalarial drug. It has also been used as an anti-inflammatory agent. Amodiaquine is at least as effective as chloroquine, and is effective against some chloroquine-resistant strains, although resistance to amodiaquine has been reported. 4-Aminoquinolines depress cardiac muscle, impair cardiac conductivity, and produce vasodilatation with resultant hypotension. They depress respiration and cause diplopia, dizziness and nausea. The mechanism of action of Amodiaquine is not certain, but like other quinoline derivatives, it is thought to inhibit heme polymerase activity. This results in the accumulation of free heme, which is toxic to the parasite. The drug binds to the heme which prevents the parasite from converting it to a less toxic form. This complex is toxic and disrupts membrane function. This eventually causes parasite death.

Amodiaquine Pathway References