Dihydroartemisinin
Generic medicine reference
Overview
Dihydroartemisinin has strong schizonticidal action, but has no effect on exoerythrocytic, sporogony and gametocyte fonns and is used as antimalarial drug. Dihydroartemisinin, is a drug with biological action of Artesunate and Artemether. Active mechanism of Dihydroartemisinin has not been known fully. Some researches suggest that the drug concentrates selectively into cells contracted by parasites and reacts with hemin (hemozoin), to kill the parasites. This reaction produces poisonous free radicals that can destroy membranes of parasites in vitro.
Indications
Dihydroartemisinin is primarily indicated in conditions like Malaria, Malaria caused by plasmodium falciparum.
Contraindications
Dihydroartemisinin
Side Effects
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Dihydroartemisinin, which give rise to further complications include Neutropenia, ECG abnormalities, Prolongation of QI interval.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Dihydroartemisinin are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Arthralgia, Abdominal distress, Neutropenia, Pyrexia.
Warnings
Do not take in first trimester of pregnancy and in children less then 5 Kg weight.
High Risk Groups
Drug should not be given to Pregnant Mothers.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.
Adult Dosage
2 to 10 mg/Kg (6 (6)) 24 hourly PO — It is available in combination with Pipraquine. Doses are calculated as mg/Kg/day. It is given for three days. Maximun 4 tablets each containing 40mg Dihydroartemisinin are indicated for upto 100 Kg weight patient. However, there are no data on which to base a dose recommendation in patients weighing >100kg.
Child Dosage
No child dosage information is recorded for this medicine yet.
Neonatal Dosage
No neonatal dosage information is recorded for this medicine yet.
Drug Interactions
Dihydroartemisinin is known to interact with other drugs, the details of drug interactions is as follows:DrugDetailsSeverityOnsetManagementMefloquine (HCl)Concomitant administration of mefloquine and dihydroartemisinin leads to a modest increase in mefloquine absorption rate.VORICONAZOLEVoriconazole may increase the serum concentration of dihydroergotamine by decreasing its metabolism. Concomitant therapy is contraindicated. These interactions are sometimes beneficial and sometimes may pose threats to life. Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.
Storage
tablet Store at room temperature, Below -20°C. Protect from Heat.
Available Brands in Pakistan
12 active brands listed alphabetically.
ANTIMAL-RAPID
ActivePHARMEVO (PVT) LTD.
DML: ANTIMAL-RAPID
TabsSachet
ARTEPIP
ActiveHELIX PHARMA (PRIVATE) LIMITED
DML: ARTEPIP
Caps
ARTEQUINE
ActivePLATINUM PHARMACEUTICALS (PVT.) LTD.
DML: ARTEQUINE
CapsSachetSusp
DIMISINEX
ActiveNEXUS PHARMA (PVT) LTD
DML: DIMISINEX
Tabs
DIPIP
ActiveHILTON PHARMA (PVT) LIMITED
DML: DIPIP
SachetCaps
HEDQIN
ActiveM/s Daneen Pharma (Pvt) Ltd DML: 000688
DML: HEDQIN
Tabs
MALDIP
ActiveAspin Pharma DML: 000045
DML: MALDIP
Tabs
NEO FANSIDAR
ActiveMARTIN DOW PHARMACEUTICALS (PAK) LTD.
DML: NEO FANSIDAR
SachetCaps
PARAQUIN
ActiveGENOME PHARMACEUTICALS (PVT) LTD
DML: PARAQUIN
Caps
PROART
ActiveKAIZEN PHARMACEUTICALS PVT LTD.
DML: PROART
Caps
TEMQUIN
ActiveSEARLE PAKISTAN (PVT.) LTD.
DML: TEMQUIN
Caps
TIMEQUIN
ActiveSAMI PHARMACEUTICALS (PVT) LTD.
DML: TIMEQUIN
CapsSachet
For educational purposes only. Check current guidelines and consult a qualified healthcare professional before making clinical decisions.