According to the first aspect of the invention, a composition for reversing malarial resistance to quinolines is disclosed. The composition includes a surfactant, such as nonylphenolethoxylate (NPE) in an admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient, or diluent. According to a second aspect of the invention, a composition for the prevention or treatment of malaria is provided. The composition comprises a pharmaceutically effective amount of a quinoline in combination with a surfactant, such as NPE, for reversing malarial resistance to quinolines. According to a third aspect of the invention, a method of preventing or treating malaria in a person is provided. The method comprises administering to a patient in need thereof one or both of the compositions described above.