Artesunate is an antimalarial medication used for the treatment of severe malaria, particularly caused by Plasmodium falciparum. It is a derivative of artemisinin and is administered intravenously or intramuscularly, making it suitable for patients who cannot take oral medications due to severe illness.
Indications
Artesunate Injection is indicated for:
- Severe Malaria: Initial treatment of severe malaria in adults and children.
- Combination Therapy: Should be followed by a complete course of an appropriate oral antimalarial regimen to ensure complete clearance of the infection.
Dosage and Administration
- Recommended Dosage:
- Adults and Children Over 20 kg: Administer 2.4 mg/kg intravenously (IV) or intramuscularly (IM) at:
- 0 hours
- 12 hours
- 24 hours
- Continue with once daily dosing until the patient can tolerate oral antimalarial therapy.
- Children Under 20 kg: Administer 3.0 mg/kg using the same schedule.
- Administration Method:
- Artesunate should be administered as a slow bolus over 1 to 2 minutes. It should not be given via continuous intravenous infusion.
- For reconstitution, mix the powder with the provided diluents:
- Use 1 ml of 5% sodium bicarbonate for reconstitution.
- Then add 5 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride for dilution before administration.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to artesunate or any of its components.
- Caution in patients with a history of severe allergic reactions.
Side Effects
Common side effects may include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fever
Serious side effects, although rare, can include:
- Hemolytic anemia
- Jaundice
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome
Warnings and Precautions
- Monitor for post-treatment hemolytic anemia for up to four weeks after treatment.
- Use with caution in pregnant or breastfeeding women; consult healthcare providers for guidance.
Storage
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Once reconstituted, the solution must be used immediately and should not be stored.
