Indications

Treatment of all forms of falciparum malaria, especially severe and malignant falciparum malaria. Artesunate rapidly clears fever and parasitemia and it is a suitable antimalarial for malignant and cerebral malaria.

Present

Blister of 12 tablets. Box of 1 blister.

Composition

Artesunate………………………………………………. 50mg
Excipients s.q. for……………………………………1 tablet
(Corn starch, Lactose, Sodium starch glycolate, Pregelatinized starch, Talc, Magnesium stearate).
MOLECULAR FORMULA: C19H28O8

Pharmacology

Artesunate is an antimalarial that is active against the asexual erythrocytic forms of Plasmodium. It is a potent schizontocide against P. falciparum and P. vivax, especially active against Plasmodia which are resistant to Chloroquine.

Pharmacokinetics

Artesunate is rapidly absorbed following oral doses. Peak plasma concentrations have been achieved 1.5 hrs following administration. Almost all of Artesunate is hydrolized after administration to a biologically active metabolite Dihydroartemisinin. Artesunate is rapidly eliminated, but Dihydroartemisinin elimination is accounted for most of its antimalarial activity (half– life of Dihydroartemisinin is about 45 minutes).

Contra-Indications

No contra– indications has been so far reported.

Side effect

– The most frequent side– effects are mild, transient.
Inform your doctor about side– effects when using this medicine.

Precaution

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
– Pregnant women under 3 months do not use except from serious malaria and pernicious malaria.
– The drug should only be given to nursing mothers as directed by their physician.

Interaction

Due to its structure contains a sesquiterpene lactone that bears a peroxide grouping which releases free oxygen, avoid using ARTESUNAT 50mg concomitantly with antioxidants such as Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Glutathione,…because those will decrease the antimalarial action of the drug.
OVERDOSAGE:
Should overdosage occur, turn to the nearest healthcare facility for medical attention of the healthcare professionals.

Shelf life

36 months from the manufacturing date.

Storage

Store in a dry place (RH ≤ 70%), not exceeding 30^oC. Protect from light.

Dosage

A course of treatment for 5 – 7 consecutive days. 4mg/kg on the first day, then 2mg/kg/day.