Artesunate 50mg

What is Artesunate 50mg?

Artesunate 50mg is an antimalarial medication derived from artemisinin, a compound extracted from the sweet wormwood plant (Artemisia annua). It is primarily used for the treatment of severe malaria, especially Plasmodium falciparum infections. Artesunate is fast-acting and is often preferred in cases where immediate intervention is needed.

What are the Uses of Artesunate 50mg?

• Treatment of severe malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum

• Part of combination therapy for uncomplicated malaria

• Emergency intervention in critical malaria cases before switching to oral therapy

What are the Benefits of Artesunate 50mg?

• Rapid action: Kills malaria parasites quickly in the blood

• Life-saving in critical cases: Highly effective in treating severe malaria, reducing mortality

• Better tolerated: Lower toxicity compared to older antimalarials like quinine

• Effective against resistant strains: Active even when malaria shows resistance to other treatments

How Does Artesunate 50mg Work?

Artesunate works by producing free radicals inside the malaria parasite after it enters red blood cells. These radicals damage parasite proteins and membranes, leading to their destruction. It is particularly effective against the ring stage of Plasmodium falciparum.

How to Take Artesunate 50mg?

• Administered intravenously (IV) or intramuscularly (IM) in severe cases

• For uncomplicated malaria, oral forms are used, usually in combination with other antimalarials (e.g., mefloquine)

• Always taken under medical supervision, especially for injectable forms

Dosage of Artesunate 50mg

• Severe malaria (IV/IM): 2.4 mg/kg body weight at 0, 12, and 24 hours, then once daily until oral therapy can be started

• Oral therapy (in combination): As per treatment protocol, often 100–200 mg daily in divided doses

Note: Dosage varies based on body weight, clinical condition, and medical guidance.

Missed Dose and Overdose

Missed Dose:

• Take it as soon as remembered.

• If it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Overdose:

• Symptoms may include low blood pressure, cardiac problems, or severe dizziness.

• Seek immediate emergency medical attention if overdose is suspected.

What are the Available Strengths of Artesunate?

• Artesunate 50 mg (most common)

• Artesunate 60 mg (injectable)

• Artesunate 100 mg

• Artesunate 200 mg
  Available as: tablets, injections, and combination therapy with other antimalarials

Side Effects of Artesunate 50mg

Common side effects:

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Nausea or vomiting

• Low white blood cell count

• Injection site reactions (if injectable)

Serious (rare):

• Hemolytic anemia

• Liver dysfunction

• Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling)

Interactions of Artesunate 50mg

May interact with:

• Other antimalarial drugs (e.g., mefloquine, chloroquine)

• CYP450 inducers or inhibitors (can alter drug metabolism)

• Drugs that prolong QT interval (risk of cardiac arrhythmia)

Always inform your doctor of all medications you’re taking.

Precautions of Artesunate 50mg

• Not recommended for patients with known hypersensitivity to artemisinin derivatives

• Use with caution in pregnancy (especially in the first trimester)

• Monitor liver and kidney function in long-term use

• Avoid alcohol consumption during treatment

Storage Information

• Store below 25°C (77°F)

• Protect from moisture and light

• Keep out of reach of children

• Injectable forms should be reconstituted as directed and used promptly

Availability in the US and Australia

• United States: Artesunate is available under special authorization via the CDC’s Malaria Branch for emergency use in severe malaria cases. Not widely available commercially.

• Australia: Artesunate is registered and available under prescription for severe malaria treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Q1: Is Artesunate safe for children?

Yes, under medical supervision, it is use for both children and adults with weight-based dosing.

Q2: Can Artesunate be use in pregnancy?

It is relatively safe in the second and third trimesters. Use in the first trimester only if clearly needed.

Q3: How long does Artesunate take to work?

Symptoms typically start improving within 24–48 hours of the first dose.

Q4: Is it use alone or with other drugs?

Usually use with other antimalarials to reduce the risk of resistance and ensure parasite clearance.

Q5: Can I travel with Artesunate?

It is not recommend as a first-line preventive. For travelers, consult a doctor for preventive alternatives like atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline.