Definition

1. Noun:
   • A synthetic drug used as an antimalarial and anthelmintic: Atabrine is a medicinal compound historically employed to treat malaria and certain parasitic worm infections. It is known by its chemical name quinacrine.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Atabrine was widely distributed to troops in malaria-endemic regions during World War II.
  • The physician prescribed a course of atabrine for the patient's giardiasis.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: Atabrine's use has largely been superseded by more modern and less toxic antimalarial drugs like chloroquine. It is now primarily of historical interest in medicine and military history.
  • The historical exhibit featured vials of atabrine, a crucial drug for the war effort in the Pacific theater.

Variants and Related Words

• Quinacrine (n): The generic, non-proprietary name for the drug Atabrine.
  • Quinacrine is still occasionally used for its anti-inflammatory properties in certain conditions.
• Mepacrine (n): Another name for the same compound, used primarily in British English.
  • The British formulary listed the drug as mepacrine.

Synonyms

• Quinacrine hydrochloride: The full chemical designation.
• Acanil: A former trade name for the same compound.

Noun

1. a drug (trade name Atabrine) used to treat certain worm infestations and once used to treat malaria