Description:

Skymet 80mg/ml (by Eskay / Eskay Therapeutics Limited) is an injectable antimalarial medication containing artemether. It is used for the treatment of severe malaria (including cerebral malaria) caused by Plasmodium falciparum in adults and children. Artemether is a fast-acting artemisinin derivative that rapidly reduces parasite load in the blood. It is administered intramuscularly as part of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) protocols or alone in severe cases. In Ghana (Accra), Skymet injection is a common, affordable antimalarial available in pharmacies (e.g., Meldinpharma lists Skymet Inj 80mg/ml 6’s) for hospital or emergency use in malaria-endemic areas.

Prescription:

Prescription-only (requires a doctor’s prescription in Ghana; dispensed by pharmacies or hospitals with Rx, typically for confirmed severe malaria or as part of WHO/Ghana Health Service guidelines; not OTC due to injection route and malaria diagnosis requirements).

Therapeutic Category:

Artemisinin Derivative / Antimalarial Agent (Rapid-acting blood schizonticide.

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Active ingredient: Artemether – 80 mg per ml (80mg/ml solution; each ampoule/vial typically 1ml = 80mg artemether). Other ingredients (excipients): Sesame oil or other vegetable oil (vehicle for intramuscular injection), benzyl alcohol (preservative in some formulations). The solution is clear, yellowish, sterile, and oil-based for slow release.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Skymet Injection 80mg/ml (standard 1ml ampoules; often sold in packs of 6 ampoules). Related variants: Skymet in higher concentrations (e.g., 120mg/ml in some markets), or artesunate injections (e.g., Skytem Inj 120mg by Eskay). The 80mg/ml is the common strength for intramuscular use in severe malaria.

Consume Type:

Injectable – Intramuscular (IM) injection (administered by healthcare professional; not for oral or self-administration).

Directions/Usage: Administered only by trained healthcare personnel (usually IM in thigh or buttock).

• Adults: Standard WHO/Ghana protocol for severe malaria: 3.2 mg/kg on day 1 (loading dose), then 1.6 mg/kg daily for 4–6 days (or until oral ACT can be tolerated).
  • Example (adult ~60kg): 192 mg (2.4 ml) on day 1, then 96 mg (1.2 ml) daily.
• Children: Same mg/kg dosing (e.g., 3.2 mg/kg loading, then 1.6 mg/kg).
• Follow with oral ACT (e.g., artemether-lumefantrine) as soon as possible.
• Do not exceed recommended dose; monitor for recrudescence.

Common Side Effects: Common (mild):

• Pain/redness at injection site
• Nausea, vomiting
• Headache
• Dizziness Other: Anorexia, fatigue. Rare/serious (seek help): Allergic reactions (rash/swelling), cardiac effects (QT prolongation rare), neurotoxicity (high doses), or hemolysis (in G6PD deficiency).

Package Type:

Ampoules or vials (typically 1ml ampoules containing 80mg artemether; sold in packs of 6 ampoules; glass ampoules in carton with leaflet).

Storage Advice:

Store below 25–30°C in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Protect from light. Keep in original packaging. Do not freeze. Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• For intramuscular use only; do not administer IV (unless specifically formulated).
• Contraindicated if allergic to artemether/artemisinins.
• Caution in pregnancy (first trimester use only if benefits outweigh risks), severe malaria in children, or G6PD deficiency (risk of hemolysis).
• Monitor for delayed neurological effects (rare).
• Follow national malaria treatment guidelines (Ghana uses ACTs; artemether injection for severe cases).
• If severe vomiting, altered consciousness, or allergic symptoms occur, seek immediate care.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Product Substitutes: Similar artemether 80mg/ml injections available in Ghana include:

• Generic artemether 80mg/ml injection (various importers).
• Envither Injection (similar artemether 80mg/ml).
• Paluther or other artemether injections. Alternatives: Artesunate injection (e.g., Skytem Inj 120mg by Eskay; preferred for severe malaria in many guidelines), or oral ACTs (artemether-lumefantrine) for non-severe cases. Consult doctor/pharmacist in Accra for availability.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Eskay Therapeutics Limited / Eskay Pharmaceuticals (Ghana-based; produces Skymet as part of its antimalarial range). Marketed/distributed locally in Ghana by Eskay (address: Accra, Ghana).

Country of Origin:

Ghana (manufactured locally by Eskay Therapeutics Limited; widely stocked in Accra pharmacies as a local product).