Description: 

Artesunate is an antimalarial medication used to treat severe malaria, particularly Plasmodium falciparum malaria.

Dosage Form: 

Injection (intravenous)

Strength: 

60mg

Active Ingredient: 

Artesunate

Indications: 

Treatment of severe malaria, including:

– Cerebral malaria

– Severe anaemia

– Respiratory distress

– Renal failure

– Circulatory collapse

Contraindications:

– Hypersensitivity to artesunate or artemisinin derivatives

– Pregnancy (first trimester)

– Breastfeeding (caution advised)

– Concomitant use with other antimalarial drugs (e.g., quinine, halofantrine)

Side Effects:

– Common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain

– Serious: anaphylaxis, allergic reactions, bone marrow suppression, cardiac arrhythmias

Precautions:

– Monitor for signs of anaphylaxis

– Monitor blood counts and electrolytes

– Use with caution in patients with cardiac or renal impairment

– Avoid concomitant use with other medications that prolong QT interval

Prescription/OTC:

 Prescription-only medication

Manufacturer Information: 

Various manufacturers, including:

– Guilin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (China)

– Ipca Laboratories Ltd. (India)

– Sanofi-Aventis (France)

Country of Origin: 

China, India, or other countries depending on the manufacturer

Category of Drug:

 Antimalarial, Antiprotozoal

Additional Notes:

– Artesunate injection should only be administered by a healthcare professional.

– Treatment should be initiated as soon as possible after diagnosis of severe malaria.

– Artesunate is typically followed by a complete treatment course with an oral antimalarial medication.