Question 1

What is Artesunate used for?

Accepted Answer

Artesunate is used to treat severe malaria in adults and children.

Artesunate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Question 2

What is the adult dose of Artesunate?

Accepted Answer

2.4 mg/kg (2.4 (2.4)) As recommended. IM — Severe malaria: This dose is followed by 1.2mg/Kg at 12 and 24 hours then 1.2mg/Kg daily for 6 days. If the patient can swallow, the daily dose can be given orally.
2.4 mg/kg (2.4 (2.4)) As recommended. IV — Severe malaria: This dose is followed by 1.2mg/Kg daily until the patient can take orally artesunate or another effective antimalarial drug.
4 mg/kg (4 (4)) As recommended. PO — Monotherapy: 4mg/Kg loading dose on the first day followed by 2mg/Kg once a day for 6 days.

Question 3

What are the side effects of Artesunate?

Accepted Answer

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Artesunate may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine; fever , confusion or weakness; or kidney problems --swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath.

Common side effects of artesunate may include:

kidney problems; jaundice; or abnormal urine tests.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Question 4

Who should not take Artesunate?

Accepted Answer

You should not use artesunate if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had kidney problems.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Malaria is more likely to cause serious illness or death in a pregnant woman. Having malaria during pregnancy may also increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery , and low birth weight.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of artesunate on the baby.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using  artesunate.

Question 5

What does Artesunate interact with?

Accepted Answer

Other drugs may affect artesunate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins , and herbal products . Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Artesunate

Available Brands in Pakistan

ADESUNATE

ARCENATE

ARETEMAC

ARORX

ARTEDOXIN

ARTEDOXIN P

ARTEGET

ARTEGET-P

ARTESUL

ARTEZON

ARTIQUIN

ARTISURGE

AULGA

ENGSUNATE

FALCIJECT

FANSI PLUS

GEN ART SP

HI-SUNATE

JIBEX

MALNATE

MEFSUNATE

METHER SP

MISOMAL-SP

MISONATE

NESUNATE

SP-MAL

SUNATEX

TRIMALOR