Artesunate
About Artesunate
Artesunate belongs to the class of 'anti-malarial drugs', primarily used to treat malaria. Malaria is a disease caused by a plasmodium parasite, transmitted by the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. When an infected mosquito bites a healthy person, it transmits the 'Plasmodium parasite' into the bloodstream, which affects the red blood cells and liver cells. Malaria symptoms usually start 10 days to 4 weeks after the infection. They include chills, high fever, profuse sweating, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, anemia, muscle pain, convulsions, coma, and bloody stools.
Artesunate contains ‘Artesunate’. This Artesunate is antimalarial medicine that interferes with the plasmodium parasite's growth in the red blood cells of the human body. Artesunate is used to treat malaria caused by a parasite called 'Plasmodium falciparum,' another plasmodium species. It works by forming harmful chemicals within the malarial parasite, therefore killing the parasites.
Artesunate will be administered by a healthcare professional; do not self-administer. You may experience dizziness, headache, weakness, and loss of appetite (not feeling hungry). Most of these side effects of Artesunate do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Before using Artesunate, inform your doctor if you recently used any prescription and non-prescription medications, including other anti-malarial or antibiotic drugs. Let your doctor know if you are allergic to Artesunate or its components. Inform your doctor if you have any liver or kidney problems. It is essential to let your doctor know if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or are a breastfeeding mother. Artesunate causes drowsiness and dizziness it is advisable to avoid driving unless you are alert.
Uses of Artesunate
Medicinal Benefits
Artesunate contains ‘Artesunate’. This Artesunate is antimalarial medicine that interferes with the plasmodium parasite's growth in the red blood cells of the human body. It is used to treat cerebral malaria and all kind of severe malaria. The antimalarial effect of Artesunate is commonly identified as generally safe, highly efficient and well-tolerated. Artesunate is used to treat malaria caused by a parasite called 'Plasmodium falciparum,' other plasmodium species. It works by forming harmful chemicals within the malarial parasite, therefore killing the parasites.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Artesunate
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite (not feeling hungry)
Drug Warnings
Inform your doctor if you have any allergic reactions to Artesunate or its components. Brief your medical history to the doctor if you have any liver or kidney problems, or heart disease. Blood problems may occur after you receive treatment with this Artesunate. Inform your doctor immediately if you or your child have pain in the leg, back, or stomach, chills, bleeding gums, difficulty breathing, dark urine, general body swelling, fever, loss of appetite (feeling not hungry), headache, nosebleeds, nausea, or vomiting, sore throat, pale skin, unusual tiredness or weakness, or yellow skin or eyes. Inform your doctor immediately if you or your child have chest tightness, blurred vision, cough, confusion, faintness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. When getting up unexpectedly from a sitting or lying position, skin rash, redness of the skin, itching, sweating, swelling of your face, hands, or mouth, trouble breathing or swallowing, or unusual weakness or tiredness after you receive this Artesunate. It is essential to let your doctor know if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or are a breastfeeding mother. Artesunate causes drowsiness and dizziness it is advisable to avoid driving unless you are alert.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Artesunate may interact with other anti-malarial drugs (mefloquine), medicines for HIV (pyrimethamine).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Before using Artesunate, let your doctor know if you have an allergy, heart disease, kidney disease, and liver disease.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid alcohol while using Artesunate since it can worsen your side effects.
Pregnancy
unsafeArtesunate is not safe during pregnancy as it causes severe side effects to both mother and unborn baby.
Breast Feeding
cautionArtesunate is present in breast milk but may not be expected to cause any side effects in the new-born baby especially more than 2 months. Please use only in the condition if your doctor is prescribed.
Driving
cautionArtesunate may make you feel sleepy, dizzy, or generally weak. In such cases, do not drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionClose monitoring of patients with liver diseases while being treated with Artesunate is required. Let your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases before using Artesunate. No specific dose adjustments are needed.
Kidney
cautionTherapy with Artesunate is to be cautiously administered in patients with renal impairment. Let your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases before using Artesunate. No specific dose adjustments are needed.
Children
safe if prescribedArtesunate is safely given to the children 6 months or older.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Take nutritious food, including fresh fruits and vegetables that help in recovering from malarial fever.
- During malarial fever, the patient may experience appetite loss. In such cases, drink glucose water, fresh fruit juices, and coconut water.
- Include high-fiber foods like green leafy vegetables and fruits to aid digestion.
- Take proper rest to help your body relax and heal faster.
- Avoid or limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine.
Special Advise
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Malaria: It is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that enter the body through a mosquito's bite. This is a common disease in countries like Africa, South America, and Southern Asia. This disease usually occurs when an Anopheles mosquito (infected with the parasite 'Plasmodium') bites a healthy individual and transfers the parasite into the bloodstream. Parasites that cause malaria include Plasmodium vivax, P. ovale, P. malaria, and P. falciparum. Malaria symptoms usually start 10 days to 4 weeks after the infection. They include chills, high fever, profuse sweating, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, anemia, muscle pain, convulsions, coma and bloody stools.
FAQs
Artesunate is used to treat malaria.
Artesunate is antimalarial medicine that interferes with the plasmodium parasite's growth in the red blood cells of the human body. Artesunate is used to treat malaria caused by a parasite called "Plasmodium falciparum," other plasmodium species. It works by forming harmful chemicals within the malarial parasite, therefore killing the parasites.
Use of Artesunate should be prevented in patients who are allergic to Artesunate or any of its components. Though, if you are not aware of any allergy or if you are using Artesunate for the first time, inform your doctor.
Before starting Artesunate, inform your doctor if you have any other health illnesses like a kidney- or heart-related complications. This is because some medical conditions may affect your treatment and you may even require dose adjustments. Also, inform your doctor about all the other medicines you are taking as they may affect, or be affected by, this Artesunate. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you miss a dose of Artesunate, take it as soon as you remember. Although, if it is approximately time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose in the recommended time. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one as this may enhance the probabilities of developing side effects.
Store Artesunate between 10°C to 30°C according to the instructions on the leaflet and away from direct sunlight.
No, finish the prescribed course, even if you start to feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection come back and harder to treat.
Yes, Artesunate is effective against quinine-resistant malaria, especially severe Plasmodium falciparum infections.
Artesunate will be administered intravenously (IV) by your doctor. Do not self-administer.
No, Artesunate is primarily effective in treating severe malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. Artesunate may not be effective for all types or stages of malaria, such as the dormant liver stages of plasmodium vivax. Always, consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Artesunate is safe when used as prescribed by your doctor in the recommended dosage and duration. Follow your doctor's instructions and consult them if you have any concerns.
No, Artesunate should only be administered by a healthcare professional to ensure accurate dosing and safe usage. Do not self-administer.
Yes, Artesunate may cause side effects such as headache, dizziness, weakness, and loss of appetite. However, please contact a doctor if these continue for longer durations.
Pregnant women may use Artesunate only if prescribed by a doctor, as untreated malaria poses severe risks to both mother and baby. Therefore, always inform your doctor if you are pregnant before taking Artesunate.
Artesunate can be used while breastfeeding if prescribed by your doctor. Artesunate passes into breast milk in small amounts but is unlikely to harm a newborn, especially those older than 2 months. However, it does not protect the child from malaria. Always follow your doctor’s advice regarding Artesunate use during breastfeeding.
If you have kidney or liver disease, inform your doctor before using Artesunate. Although dose adjustments are generally unnecessary, careful monitoring is essential during treatment. Therefore, always contact a doctor if you have any concerns.
