Artesunate Tablet

Precautions of Artesunate 

Parenteral artesunate should be used for the treatment of severe falciparum malaria only where there is evidence that the antimalarial efficacy of quinine is declining. The powder for injection is difficult to dissolve and care should be taken to ensure that it is completely dissolved before parenteral administration. It should always be used immediately following reconstitution. If the solution is cloudy or a precipitate is present, the parenteral preparation should be discarded.

Use in Pregnancy

Little experience has been gained with the use of this drug in pregnancy but the parenteral preparation should not be withheld if it is considered life-saving to the mother.

Adverse effects

Drug-induced fever can occur. Neurotoxicity has been observed in animal studies but not in humans. In view of the uncertainty about toxic effects, caution should be exercised when more than one 3-day treatment is given. Cardiotoxicity has been observed following administration of high doses. How to store artesunate 50 mg tablets keep out of the reach and sight of children. Do not store above 30ºc, store in the original packaging. Do not use artesunate 50 mg tablets after the expiry date which is stated on the carton after exp. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not use Artesunate 50 mg tablets if you notice any visible sign of deterioration. Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.

Expert advice

• Do not start or continue the artesunate tablets and consult your doctor if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to artesunate.
• Do not start or continue the artesunate tablets and consult your doctor if you are in the first 3 months of pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding.
• Do not drive or operate machinery after taking artesunate because you may feel sleepy.

Before You Take Artesunate Do Not Take Artesunate 50 Mg Tablets

If you are hypersensitive (allergic) to artesunate or to any of the other ingredients of artesunate 50 mg tablets (see section 6, what artesunate 50 mg tablets contains), take special care with artesunate 50 mg tablets if you have experienced rash or urticarial reaction to artesunate before, you should not be treated with artesunate 50 mg tablets, if avoidable, since this has been associated with recurrence of symptoms and occasionally with the development of  severe allergic reactions

Uses of Artesunate 

Artesunate is used to treat chloroquine resistant malaria and complicated malaria like cerebral malaria.

• orally: treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in areas where there is evidence of chloroquine, pyrimethamine/sulfadoxine, mefloquine and quinine resistance. It should always be administered together with mefloquine in full therapeutic dose.
• parenterally: treatment of severe falciparum malaria in areas where there is evidence of quinine resistance. Radical cure is then effected with a full course of an effective oral antimalarial.

How it works

Artesunate belongs to class of medications called anti-malarial. It acts by producing free radicals which kills the malarial parasite (plasmodium).

How To Take Artesunate 50 Mg Tablets

Always take artesunate tablets exactly as your doctor or health care provider has told you. Artesunate 50 mg tablets are usually taken in combination with another medicine to treat malaria. Artemisinin-based combination therapy (act) in combination therapy in adults and children, artesunate should be given at 4 mg/kg body weight once daily for three days (range 2-10 mg/kg; 200 mg per day in adults). Artesunate dosing scheme in combination therapy (treatment duration 3 days) age no of tablets per day (dose) 1-6 years 1 tablet once daily (50 mg/day) 7-13 years 2 tablets once daily (100 mg/day) older than13 years 4 tablets once daily (200 mg/day)

Oral administration

Adults and children over 6 months: 5 mg/kg orally on the first day followed by 2.5 mg/kg on the second and third days in combination with mefloquine (15 mg/kg) in a single dose on the second day. In a few areas, a higher dose (25 mg/kg) of mefloquine may be required for a cure to be obtained.

Parenteral administration

The powder for injection should be reconstituted with 5% sodium bicarbonate and diluted in an equal volume of physiological saline or 5% (w/v) glucose. It should be administered immediately by either intravenous or intramuscular injection.

A loading dose of 2 mg/kg should be followed by 1 mg/kg after 4 hours and 24 hours. Thereafter a dose of 1 mg/kg should be given daily until the patient is able to tolerate oral artesunate or for a maximum of 7 days.

If you use more artesunate 50 mg tablets than you should if you have taken too many tablets or if someone accidentally swallows some, there is no immediate danger. However, you should contact your doctor, health care provider or the nearest hospital emergency department for further advice. If you forget to take artesunate 50 mg tablets when artesunate 50 mg tablets is normally to be taken once daily (in combination therapy): if you accidentally miss a dose take the missed dose as soon as possible. Make sure you take the next dose least 8 hours but not more than 24 hours after that dose. If your next regular dose is scheduled more than 8 hours after the dose made up for, then simply take your normal dose when it is due. Do not take a double dose to make up for forgotten individual doses. When artesunate 50 mg tablets is normally to be taken twice daily: if you accidentally miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible. Take the next regular dose as scheduled. If you notice only when your next dose is due, you may take a double dose to make up for the forgotten individual dose. If you stop taking artesunate 50 mg tablets make sure that the medicine is administered for as long as your doctor has told you, even if you are feeling better. If you stop the medicine too soon, your infection may not be completely cured. This may result in relapse of your malaria symptoms, and possibly increased problems in treating malaria should you get it again. You should not stop treatment unless your doctor or health care provider tells you to.

Contraindications

Oral artesunate should not be used during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Side Effects of Artesunate 

Artesunate is an antimalarial medication used to treat malaria. It is often used in combination with other antimalarial drugs for effective treatment. Like any medication, Artesunate may cause side effects in some individuals. It's important to note that not everyone will experience these side effects, and the severity can vary from person to person. Common side effects of Artesunate tablets may include:

Gastrointestinal Disturbances:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Central Nervous System Effects:

• Headache
• Dizziness

Hematological Effects:

• Anemia (reduced red blood cell count)

Liver Enzyme Changes:

• Elevated liver enzymes (usually reversible)

Allergic Reactions:

• Rash
• Itching
• Hypersensitivity reactions (rare)

It's essential to inform your healthcare provider if you experience any side effects while taking Artesunate. In some cases, serious side effects can occur, and medical attention should be sought immediately. These may include:

Allergic Reactions: Severe allergic reactions can occur, leading to symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, and severe rash.

Hemolysis: In rare cases, Artesunate may cause hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), leading to hemolytic anemia.

Liver Problems: Serious liver problems, although uncommon, have been reported with the use of Artesunate.

Neurological Effects: Neurological side effects, such as seizures, have been reported, especially in patients with a history of seizures.

It's crucial to take Artesunate as prescribed by your healthcare provider and to complete the full course of treatment, even if your symptoms improve before the medication is finished. If you have any concerns about the side effects of Artesunate or if you experience any unusual symptoms, it's important to contact your healthcare provider promptly.

This information is not exhaustive, and individual responses to medications can vary. Always consult your healthcare professional or pharmacist for personalized advice based on your health status and any other medications you may be taking.

Frequently asked questions

Q. What Artesunate Is And What It Is Used For

Artesunate 50 mg tablets is used for the treatment of uncomplicated cases of malaria. Artesunate 50 mg tablets is indicated only for attacks due to plasmodium falciparum (a particular type of malaria parasite), against which the medicine is active. It reduces the number of malaria parasites in your body. Your doctor has found that you have malaria and so has prescribed the tablets to treat your malaria infection. For complete cure it is important that you complete the prescribed dose as advised by your doctor, health care worker or pharmacist.

Q. Is artesunate/falcigo safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

No. Artesunate (also available as falcigo) should not be given during 1st trimester of pregnancy. During second and third trimester and breastfeeding, the drug can be used only if benefit outweighs the risk. Patients should follow the advice of the doctor regarding its use.patients should follow the advice of the doctor regarding its use.

Q. Is artesunate banned in india?

No, it is available in india with doctor’s prescription only.

Q. What is artesunate amodiaquine/ winthrop/artesunate injection?

These are trade names of artesunate containing products. It is used for the treatment of malaria. Patients should follow the advice of the doctor regarding its use.

Q. Why is artesunate better than quinine?

Intramuscular or intravenous injection of artesunate has shown better treatment effects than quinine. Always consult your doctor regarding its use.

Q. Does artesunate contain sulphur?

No, it does not contain sulphur.

Q. How does artesunate work?

It acts by producing free radicals which kills the malarial parasite (plasmodium) q. Where does artesunate come from? It is derived from artemisinin tree

Interactions of Artesunate 

Artesunate is an antimalarial medication that is often used in combination with other antimalarial drugs for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria. It is important to note that the information provided here is general, and specific interactions can vary depending on the formulation and other drugs being taken. Always consult with a healthcare professional or pharmacist for personalized advice based on your specific medical history and medications.

Antimalarial Combinations:

Artesunate is often used in combination with other antimalarial drugs, such as amodiaquine, mefloquine, or lumefantrine. These combinations are designed to improve the efficacy of treatment and reduce the risk of drug resistance.

Anticoagulants:

Artesunate may enhance the anticoagulant effect of drugs like warfarin. Close monitoring of blood clotting parameters is recommended if these drugs are used concomitantly.

Anticonvulsants:

There is a potential for decreased plasma concentrations of anticonvulsant drugs (e.g., phenytoin) when used with antimalarials like artesunate. Monitoring of anticonvulsant levels may be necessary.

Antiretroviral Drugs:

The combination of certain antiretroviral drugs, particularly protease inhibitors, with artesunate may alter the metabolism of these drugs. Close monitoring and dose adjustments may be needed.

CYP2A4 Inducers/Inhibitors:

Artesunate is metabolized by the CYP2A4 enzyme. Drugs that induce or inhibit this enzyme may affect the metabolism and efficacy of artesunate.

Quinidine and Halofantrine:

Concurrent use of artesunate with quinidine or halofantrine may increase the risk of QT prolongation and should be avoided or closely monitored.

Pregnancy and Lactation:

The safety of artesunate during pregnancy and lactation is not well-established. The benefits and risks should be carefully considered, and the medication should be used only if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.

Liver Function:

Artesunate may cause liver enzyme abnormalities. Caution is advised when used in patients with pre-existing liver conditions, and liver function should be monitored.

It's crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking before starting artesunate or any new medication. This helps to identify potential interactions and ensure the safe and effective use of the medication.