Artesunate is metabolized to the active DHA. the endoperoxide bridge of DHA reacts with heme, generating free radicals which inhibit protein and nucleic acid synthesis of the Plasmodium parasites during all erythrocytic stages. Reactions with these free radicals can also lead to alkylation of parasitic proteins such as a calcium adenosine triphosphatase and EXP1, a glutathione S-transferase.
Parenteral Falciparum malaria Adult: 2.4 mg/kg via IM or IV admin. Repeat 12 hr and 24 hr later, then once daily thereafter. Child: 2.4 mg/kg via IM or IV admin. Repeat 12 hr and 24 hr later, then once daily thereafter.
Artesunate may have interaction with other artemisinin drugs i.e. artemether, arteether which have the same effect in prolonging the PQ and QT interval. It has interaction when it is given with other antimalarial drugs (eg. Quinine, quinidine, mafloquine and halofantrine) which have cardiac action. It also has interaction with other drugs which prolong QT interval (such as erythromycin, terfenadine, astemizole, probucol, procainamide, disopyramide, amiodarone, bretylium, bepridil, sotalol, tricyclic antidepressants and neuroleptics).
Hypersensitivity. Hepatic or renal insufficiency. Pregnancy and lactation.
Transient and reversible reticulocytopaenia, drug fever, rash, bradycardia, transient 1st-degree heart block and reversible elevation of serum transaminases.
Pregnancy category is not classified. FDA has yet not classified the drug into a specific pregnancy catagory.
Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.
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