mepacrine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Historical Medical
Quick answer
What does “mepacrine” mean?
A synthetic antimalarial drug, also used in the treatment of giardiasis and certain tapeworm infections.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A synthetic antimalarial drug, also used in the treatment of giardiasis and certain tapeworm infections.
Historically, a quinacrine-based drug with anti-inflammatory properties, used in the mid-20th century primarily for malaria prophylaxis and treatment. It is a yellow dye and can cause skin discolouration.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally rare in both varieties. No significant spelling or usage divergence.
Connotations
Evokes mid-20th century military/colonial medicine. May be recognized by older medical professionals or historians.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, confined to historical medical texts or specialised pharmacology.
Grammar
How to Use “mepacrine” in a Sentence
The patient was prescribed [mepacrine].[Mepacrine] is used to treat [condition].The side effects of [mepacrine] include...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mepacrine” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The mepacrine regimen was strictly enforced.
American English
- Mepacrine prophylaxis was standard for troops in the region.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical or pharmacological papers discussing mid-20th century therapeutics.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Used in specialised medical history, tropical medicine, or pharmacology contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mepacrine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mepacrine”
- Misspelling as 'mepacrin', 'mepacrene'. Incorrectly classifying it as a current first-line treatment.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely. It has been largely replaced by safer and more effective antimalarial drugs like chloroquine and artemisinin-based combinations. It may see very limited use in specific parasitic infections.
It can cause a reversible yellow discolouration of the skin and sclerae (the whites of the eyes).
Atabrine is a former brand name for the drug whose generic name is mepacrine (or quinacrine).
Almost exclusively in historical texts, medical history books, or highly specialised pharmacological literature discussing older antimalarial therapies.
A synthetic antimalarial drug, also used in the treatment of giardiasis and certain tapeworm infections.
Mepacrine is usually technical/historical medical in register.
Mepacrine: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛpəkriːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛpəˌkrin/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MEP A CRINE: Imagine a military medic in the past saying, "MEP, a crine (crine sounds like 'cure-een' for curing) for malaria."
Conceptual Metaphor
A HISTORICAL SHIELD AGAINST MALARIA.
Practice
Quiz
Mepacrine is primarily classified as what type of drug?