Indications

Artesunate, an artemisinin derivative, is a potent antimalarial drug suitable for both adults and children. It is indicated for the following conditions:

• Severe and Complicated Malaria: Treatment of severe and complicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum in adults and children, especially in regions with multidrug resistance.
• Uncomplicated Malaria: Treatment of uncomplicated malaria in areas where multidrug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum is prevalent.
• Salvage Therapy: Artesunate tablets are also effective in treating pernicious malaria and malaria caused by both Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax.

Pharmacology

Artesunate is metabolized into its active form, DHA (dihydroartemisinin). DHA’s endoperoxide bridge reacts with heme, producing free radicals that inhibit protein and nucleic acid synthesis in Plasmodium parasites during all erythrocytic stages. These free radicals may also alkylate parasitic proteins, such as calcium adenosine triphosphatase and EXP1, a glutathione S-transferase.

Dosage & Administration

Administer Artesunet orally as follows:

For Artesunate 50 mg Tablet:

• Adults: Two tablets twice on the first day, then one tablet twice daily for the next four days (4, 2, 2, 2, 2).
• Children:
  • 1-3 years: 3 tablets over 5 days (1, 1⁄2, 1⁄2, 1⁄2, 1⁄2).
  • 4-5 years: 6 tablets over 5 days (2, 1, 1, 1, 1).
  • 6-12 years: 8 tablets over 5 days (3, 2, 1, 1, 1).

For Artesunate 100 mg Tablet:

• Adults: One tablet twice on the first day, then half a tablet twice daily for the next four days (2, 1, 1, 1, 1).
• Children:
  • 4-5 years: 3 tablets over 5 days (1, 1⁄2, 1⁄2, 1⁄2, 1⁄2).
  • 6-12 years: 4 tablets over 5 days (1½, 1, ½, ½, ½).
• Patients aged over 12 years: Same as adult dosage.

Malaria Prevention Dosage

Take two Artesunate 50 mg tablets (or one Artesunate 100 mg tablet) as a single dose once a week, starting one week before entering a malaria-affected area and continuing for four weeks after leaving the area.

Interaction

• Artesunate may interact with other artemisinin drugs like artemether and arteether, prolonging the PQ and QT intervals.
• Interactions may occur when combined with other antimalarial drugs (e.g., quinine, quinidine, mefloquine, and halofantrine) that have cardiac actions.
• Artesunet also interacts with drugs that prolong the QT interval (e.g., erythromycin, terfenadine, astemizole, probucol, procainamide, disopyramide, amiodarone, bretylium, bepridil, sotalol, tricyclic antidepressants, and neuroleptics).

Contraindications

Artesunate is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to artemisinin derivatives or its inactive ingredients.

Side Effects

Artesunate is well-tolerated, with no adverse effects reported at the recommended dosage.

Pregnancy & Lactation

A WHO report suggests that artemisinin derivatives should remain available for treating malaria during pregnancy, regardless of trimester, although further study is needed. Artesunate tablets may be prescribed to pregnant women, particularly in the first trimester, only under the advice of a registered physician. Breastfeeding should be discontinued during treatment with Artesunate due to potential adverse effects on the nursing baby.

Precautions & Warnings

• Use with caution in patients experiencing severe vomiting.
• For emergency treatment of severe malaria, intravenous or intramuscular injection is preferred.
• Do not use without the advice of a registered physician.
• Do not exceed the recommended dosage.

Therapeutic Class

Anti-malarial drugs.

Storage Conditions

Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Note: 

The brand name displayed above is specific to this product. Brand names can vary depending on the manufacturer.