Chemoprophylaxis
Medication given to prevent disease or infection.
Chemoprophylaxis is the administration of medication to prevent disease or infection. It is used in individuals with immune system disorders to prevent opportunistic infections, in healthy people to limit epidemic spread, and in patients with recurrent infections to prevent recurrence. Its use is limited primarily by the risk of side effects and financial costs.
Quick Facts
- Region for smc
- Sahel region of Sub-Saharan Africa
Facts from the source article.
Did You Know?
- Chemoprophylaxis may refer to administration of heparin to prevent deep venous thrombosis in hospitalized patients.
- The charity evaluator GiveWell lists the Malaria Consortium's SMC program as a priority program due to its cost-effectiveness.
Specific diseases
Chemoprophylaxis has proven effective against early signs of tuberculosis. In familial adenomatous polyposis, NSAIDs have been observed to cause polyp regression. It is also used for close contacts of Neisseria meningitidis to prevent meningococcal infections. The World Health Organization recommends Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) in the Sahel region using sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine and amodiaquine.
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