Artesunate Pharmacology

Artesunate

About Artesunate
A semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin, a sesquiterpene lactone potent blood schizonticide, Anti malarial.
Mechanism of Action of Artesunate
This antimalarial drug binds tightly to parasitized erythrocyte membranes. Its endoperoxide bond is responsible for antimalarial activity. Release of an active oxygen species (free radicals) from this bond kills the parasite if accumulated in the erythrocytic cells. It also suppresses the production or activity of antioxidant enzymes in the erythrocytes, causing lysis of the parasitic cell due to the highly reactive free oxygen radicals.
Pharmacokinets of Artesunate
Absorption- Rapidly absorbed after administration
Distribution- Widely distributed in the body. High concentration is seen in liver, kidney and intestine
Metabolism- Metabolized in the liver to its metabolites
Excretion- Excreted through urine and feces
Onset of Action for Artesunate
N/A
Duration of Action for Artesunate
N/A
Half Life of Artesunate
N/A
Side Effects of Artesunate
1. Dizziness
2. Itching
3. Vomiting
4. Abdominal pain
5. Flatulence
6. Headache
7. Bodyache
8. Diarrhoea
9. Tinnitus
10. Alopecia
11. Macular rash
12. Neutropenia
13. Convulsions
14. Skin rash
15. Pruritis
Contra-indications of Artesunate
1. Hypersensitivity to the drug or any ingredients of it
2. G6PD deficiency
3. Immunocompromised patients.

Special Precautions while taking Artesunate
Parenteral artesunate should be used for the treatment of severe falciparum malaria only where there is evidence that the antimalarial efficacy of quinine is declining.
Pregnancy Related Information
Contraindicated (1st trimester)
Old Age Related Information
May be used.
Breast Feeding Related Information
Use with caution
Children Related Information
May be used
Indications for Artesunate
1.Uncomplicated falciparum malaria (in areas where there is evidence of chloroquine, pyrimethamine/sulfadoxine, mefloquine and quinine resistance).
2. Severe falciparum malaria (in areas where there is evidence of quinine resistance)

Interactions for Artesunate
NULL
Typical Dosage for Artesunate
Adults-
Oral-
Monotherapy:
4mg/Kg loading dose on the first day followed by 2mg/Kg once a day for 6 days
Combination therapy:
4mg/Kg once a day for 3 days plus mefloqine (15mg or 25mg of base per Kg) as a single dose or split dose on the second and/or third day.
Intramuscular-
2.4mg/Kg followed by 1.2mg/Kg at 12 and 24 hours then 1.2mg/Kg daily for 6 days.
Intravenous-
2.4mg/Kg on the first day followed by 1.2mg/Kg daily
Note: The speed for intravenous injection is 3-4 ml per minute
Schedule of Artesunate
H
Storage Requirements for Artesunate
Store in a cool dry dark place.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Artesunate
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Effects of Overdose of Artesunate
Give symptomatic and supportive treatment

Home Delivery for Artesunate in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including artesunate.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for artesunate and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for artesunate may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take artesunate only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for artesunate before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for artesunate with the pharmacy.

Artesunate is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for artesunate might be better known than artesunate itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have artesunate in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for artesunate.