Description:

Skymet 80mg/ml 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.

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).