Medicine Information

Artesunate

Name: Artesunate
Brand: Artesunate
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Tablet50 mgAntimalarialATC: P01BE03

Generic Name

Artesunate 50 mg Tablet

Manufacturer

Multiple Manufacturers

Country

Globally manufactured

Loading images...

Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
artesunet 50 mg tablet	৳ 12.00	৳ 72.00

Description

Overview of the medicine

Artesunate is an antimalarial drug, an artemisinin derivative, primarily used for the rapid treatment of severe malaria, including those caused by multidrug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum. It acts quickly to reduce parasite load and improve patient outcomes.

Uses & Indications

Treatment of severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria

Treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in combination with other antimalarial drugs

Treatment of Plasmodium vivax malaria (often in combination)

Dosage

Adults

For uncomplicated malaria, typically 2-4 mg/kg orally once daily for 3 days, always in combination with a partner drug (e.g., Mefloquine, Lumefantrine). For severe malaria (IV formulation), 2.4 mg/kg IV at 0, 12, 24 hours, then once daily. Oral Artesunate 50 mg is often used as follow-on therapy.

Elderly

No specific dose adjustment generally required, but caution is advised in elderly patients with comorbidities.

Renal_impairment

No dose adjustment needed in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. Use with caution in severe renal impairment, though significant accumulation is unlikely due to extensive hepatic metabolism.

How to Take

Administer orally with water, preferably at the same time each day. It can be taken with or without food, but food may improve absorption in some cases. Always complete the full course of treatment as prescribed.

Mechanism of Action

Artesunate works by forming highly reactive free radicals in the presence of iron, which is abundant in malarial parasites. These free radicals damage parasite proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, leading to rapid parasite clearance and death.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Rapid antimalarial effect, often within hours.

Excretion

Primarily excreted via urine as metabolites of DHA, with a smaller portion excreted in feces.

Half life

Artesunate itself has a very short half-life (e.g., 15-30 minutes), but its active metabolite, dihydroartemisinin (DHA), has a half-life of about 1-2 hours.

Absorption

Rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations achieved within 1-2 hours.

Metabolism

Rapidly and extensively metabolized by hepatic enzymes (primarily CYP2B6, CYP2A6, and uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferases - UGT) into its active metabolite, dihydroartemisinin (DHA).

Side Effects

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to artemisinin derivatives or any component of the formulation.
First trimester of pregnancy (unless benefit outweighs risk in severe malaria).

Drug Interactions

Ritonavir

May significantly increase Artesunate/DHA levels, leading to increased risk of toxicity.

Mefloquine

Co-administration is common and generally safe, but monitor for QT prolongation if also on other drugs affecting QT interval.

Strong CYP2B6 inducers (e.g., Rifampicin, Efavirenz)

May decrease DHA levels, potentially reducing efficacy. Dosage adjustments may be needed.

Storage

Store below 30°C (86°F) in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose are generally an exaggeration of common side effects. There is no specific antidote for artesunate overdose. Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive, focusing on managing any cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, or neurological effects.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy: Artesunate should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus, especially in the first trimester. It is the preferred treatment for severe malaria in all trimesters. Lactation: Artesunate and its active metabolite are excreted in breast milk. A decision should be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

6 tablets/pack12 tablets/pack

Shelf Life

2-3 years from the date of manufacture when stored under recommended conditions.

Availability

Available in pharmacies and hospitals

Approval Status

Globally approved; DGDA approved in Bangladesh

Patent Status

Off-patent

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Artesunate has been extensively studied in numerous clinical trials, particularly for the treatment of severe malaria, demonstrating superior efficacy and safety compared to quinine, leading to its recommendation as a first-line agent by WHO.

Lab Monitoring

Complete Blood Count (CBC) including reticulocyte count (especially post-treatment for severe malaria to monitor for delayed hemolytic anemia)
Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
Renal Function Tests (RFTs)
Parasite count monitoring

Doctor Notes

Artesunate is the first-line drug for severe malaria in all trimesters of pregnancy.
Always use oral artesunate in combination with a recommended partner antimalarial drug to prevent resistance and ensure efficacy.
Monitor patients for signs of delayed hemolytic anemia for up to 4 weeks after treatment for severe malaria.

Patient Guidelines

Take Artesunate exactly as prescribed by your doctor and complete the full course of treatment, even if you start feeling better.
Always take Artesunate in combination with the partner drug as advised by your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you experience any unusual side effects or if your symptoms do not improve or worsen.
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs of severe anemia (e.g., extreme fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath) weeks after treatment, especially if you had severe malaria.

Missed Dose Advice

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Driving Precautions

Artesunate may cause dizziness or lightheadedness in some individuals. If you experience these symptoms, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.

Lifestyle Advice

Maintain good hydration by drinking plenty of fluids.
Ensure adequate rest during your recovery period.
Follow malaria prevention strategies (e.g., mosquito nets, repellents) to avoid re-infection.