Artesunate
About Artesunate
Artesunate very effective in the treatment of severe malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum strains when other medicines fail to show positive results. However, it cannot be used to prevent malaria.
The active constituent of this medicine is a derivative of artemisinin is a water-soluble hemisuccinate. It can be given by injection into a vein or a muscle or taken by mouth.
This medicine is generally well-tolerated in the body. It appears to be safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you have faced a previous severe allergic reaction to this drug then you should avoid the use of it.
This medicine should be avoided as it includes isoniazid, amiodarone, methoxsalen, desipramine, ketoconazole, letrozole, methoxsalen, and tranylcypromine.
The recommended dose for adults and children over 6 months is generally 5 mg and should be taken orally on the first day. The dose gradually increases and is used in combination with other medicines to cure malaria. If the administration of this medication is happening in the form of injections then that should be performed by a healthcare professional.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the uses of Artesunate
This medicine is used to treat malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum strain of the parasite. It may also be used for the treatment of malaria that are resistant to other medicines.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the contraindications of Artesunate ?
This medicine is not recommended for use if you have a known history of allergy to Artesunate.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the side effects of Artesunate ?
Headache
Injection Site Pain
Fever With Body Pain
Low Wbc Count
Swelling Of The Liver
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
Key highlights of Artesunate
How long is the duration of effect?
The time duration for which the effect of this medicine persists is not established.
What is the onset of action?
The time taken for this medicine to show its effect is not established. However, it reaches the peak level in the body within an hour of administration.
Are there any pregnancy warnings?
Use of this medicine in pregnant women is not recommended unless absolutely necessary.
Is it habit forming?
No habit forming tendencies were reported.
Are there any breast-feeding warnings?
Use of this medicine while breastfeeding is not recommended unless necessary.
Does this affect kidney function?
Caution must be taken. Dose adjustment is needed in case of patients with impaired renal function.
Does this affect liver function?
Caution must be taken. Dose adjustment is needed in case of patients with impaired liver function.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the dosage instructions?
Missed Dose instructions
Contact your doctor immediately if you miss a scheduled dose of this medicine.
Are there any overdose instructions?
Contact your doctor immediately if an overdose with this medicine is suspected.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
Where is the Artesunate approved?
India
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
Medicines containing Artesunate
Below is the list of medicines, which contains Artesunate as ingredient
- Combither At 60 MG Injection
Aristo Pharmaceuticals Pvt.Ltd
- Artipen 60 MG Injection
Medley Pharmaceuticals
- Azunate 60 MG Injection
Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt.Ltd
- Artivil 60 MG Injection
Vilberry Healthcare Pvt Ltd
- Endomal At 60 MG Injection
Almet Corporation Ltd.ÂÂ
- Chinsunate 60 MG Injection
Alkem Laboratories Ltd
- Ulteria 60 MG Infusion
Cipla Ltd
- Dunate 60 MG Injection
Samarth Life Sciences Pvt Ltd
- Calsunate 60 MG Injection
Calibar Pharmaceuticals
- Falciart 60 MG Injection
Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
How does this medication work?
This medication acts on the schizonts (ring stage) in the blood and causes the lysis of the parasite.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the interactions of Artesunate ?
Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.
- test
Interaction with Alcohol
Alcohol
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.Interaction with Medicine
Mefloquine
Report the use of mefloquine or any other anti-malarial medicine to the doctor before receiving Artesunate. You may require a dose adjustment and more frequent monitoring when using these medicines together.Pyrimethamine
Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. You may require a dose adjustment and more frequent monitoring while using these medicines together.Interaction with Disease
This medicine should be administered with caution in patients having an impaired liver function. Appropriate diagnostic tests must be performed before determining the dose regimen. Suitable dose adjustment and frequent monitoring may be needed to ensure safe and effective use.Kidney Disease
This medicine should be administered with caution in patients having an impaired kidney function. Suitable dose adjustment and frequent monitoring may be needed to ensure safe and effective use.Interaction with Food
Food
Information not available.
FAQs about Artesunate
Ques : What is Artesunate?
Ans : This medication a derivative of artemisinin is a water-soluble hemisuccinate. It is very effective in the treatment of severe malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum strains when other medicines fail to show positive results.
Ques : How long do I need to use Artesunate before I see improvement in my condition?
Ans : This medication is to be taken till the time you see an improvement in your health conditions.
Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Artesunate?
Ans : The recommended dose for adults and children over 6 months is generally 5 mg per kg orally on the first day. In a few areas, a higher dose of 25 mg may be required for a cure to be obtained.
Ques : Should I use Artesunate empty stomach, before food or after food?
Ans : This medication should be taken after food in a prescribed dosage.
Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Artesunate?
Ans : This medication should be kept in a cool dry place and in its original packaging. Make sure this medication remains unreachable to children and pets.
References
Artesunate- Drug Information Portal [Internet]. druginfo.nlm.nih.gov. 2019 [Cited 16 December 2019]. Available from:
https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/artesunate
Artesunate- DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2019 [Cited 16 December 2019]. Available from:
https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB09274
Artesunate- WHO Model Prescribing Information: Drugs Used in Parasitic Diseases - Second Edition [Internet]. apps.who.int 1995 [Cited 16 December 2019]. Available from:
https://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Jh2922e/2.5.11.html
Lumefantrine- Drug Information Portal [Internet]. druginfo.nlm.nih.gov. 2019 [Cited 16 December 2019]. Available from:
https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/lumefantrine
Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.
Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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