Artesunate

Indications & Dose:

INDICATIONS AND DOSE:

Severe malaria including cerebral malaria and as a second line treatment in chloroquineresistant falciparum malaria.

DOSAGE:

Adults:

• BY INJECTION

Parenteral :120mg on the first day followed by 60mg daily for the next four days. In severe cases Extra dose of 60mg can be given on the first day itself 6 hours after the first dose.

• BY MOUTH

Oral: 100mg twice a day on the first day followed by 50mg twice daily for the next four days.

Children 1.2mg/kg x 5 days (maximum 60mg)

Paediatrics: May be used if chloroquine resistant.

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in 1st trimester.

Lactation: Safety not established.

Contraindications:

Not known. Special

Side Effects:

Transient and reversible reticulocytopenia, drug fever, drug rash, bradycardia, transient first degree heart block and transient & reversible elevation of serum transaminasea. Drug Interactions : Antimalarial action potentiated by oxidant drugs. Additive effect seen with chloroquinn. Antagonistic effect seen with pyrimethamine and sulfonamides

Cautions:

Precautions:

Avoid in pregnant women, especially in the first trimester

Interaction:

Warnings:

Adverse Effects:

Lactations:

Special Precautions:

Counselling:

Side Effects Or Adverse Reactions:

Patient And Carer Advice: