৳ 10/unit
Pack: ৳ 10
৳ 10/unit
Pack: ৳ 10
At a glance
Artesunate is a powerful antimalarial drug derived from artemisinin. It is used for both adults and children in the treatment of severe and complicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum.
Indications
- Severe and complicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum
- Uncomplicated malaria in multidrug-resistant P. falciparum areas
- Malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax
- Pernicious malaria (salvage therapy)
Pharmacology
Artesunate is an artemisinin derivative that is metabolized to the active metabolite dihydroartemisinin (DHA). The endoperoxide bridge of DHA reacts with heme, generating free radicals which inhibit protein and nucleic acid synthesis of the Plasmodium parasites during all erythrocytic stages.
Reactions with these free radicals can also lead to alkylation of parasitic proteins such as calcium adenosine triphosphatase and EXP1, a glutathione S-transferase.
Dosage
Artesunate 50 mg Tablet:
- Adults: Day 1: 2 tablets twice; Days 2-5: 1 tablet twice daily (4, 2, 2, 2, 2)
- Children (1-3 years): 3 tablets over 5 days (1, ½, ½, ½, ½)
- Children (4-5 years): 6 tablets over 5 days (2, 1, 1, 1, 1)
- Children (6-12 years): 8 tablets over 5 days (3, 2, 1, 1, 1)
Artesunate 100 mg Tablet:
- Adults: Day 1: 1 tablet twice; Days 2-5: half tablet twice daily (2, 1, 1, 1, 1)
- Children (4-5 years): 3 tablets over 5 days (1, ½, ½, ½, ½)
- Children (6-12 years): 4 tablets over 5 days (1½, 1, ½, ½, ½)
Malaria Prophylaxis: 2 tablets (50 mg) or 1 tablet (100 mg) once weekly, from 1 week before entering a malaria area to 4 weeks after leaving.
Side effects
No significant side effects reported at recommended dose. Rare cases may include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
Use in pregnancy
[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] According to WHO, artesunate should be available for malaria treatment in pregnancy irrespective of trimester. Use in first trimester only if recommended by a Registered Physician.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Precautions & warnings
Serious Precautions:
- Use only under the advice of a Registered Physician
- Do not exceed the recommended dose
- Use with caution in patients with severe vomiting
- Use in first trimester of pregnancy only if recommended by a Registered Physician
- Breastfeeding should be stopped during treatment
- May cause dizziness - use caution while driving or operating machinery
- Regular blood tests may be required to monitor parasite clearance
Overdose effects
In case of overdose, provide symptomatic and supportive treatment.
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.