What category do antimalarials fall into regarding the treatment of SLE?

Antimalarial medications, particularly hydroxychloroquine, are classified as immunomodulatory agents in the context of treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). While they are primarily known for their role in treating malaria, their efficacy in SLE comes from their ability to modulate the immune system rather than simply suppressing it. These medications help in managing various symptoms of SLE, reducing flares, and providing long-term benefits, particularly in skin and joint manifestations.

Immunosuppressants are drugs that decrease the immune response, and although antimalarials do not work exactly like traditional immunosuppressants (such as corticosteroids or azathioprine), they modify immune system activity and enhance tolerance, which is crucial in managing autoimmune diseases like lupus. Their role is not just to relieve pain or inflammation, but to alter the underlying immune dysfunction, making them an important part of the lupus treatment regimen.

The other classifications noted in the options do not fully capture the unique role that antimalarials play in SLE management. Pain relievers focus on symptom relief, anti-inflammatory drugs primarily target inflammation, and supportive therapies encompass a broader category that includes strategies for symptom management without directly affecting disease pathology.