Artesunate Injection

Artesunate Injection 180 mg is an antimalarial medicine used for the treatment of severe malaria infections. It belongs to the artemisinin class of drugs, which work by killing the malaria-causing parasites in the blood.

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1. Product Description

• Generic Name: Artesunate
• Strength: 180 mg (Injection)
• Drug Class: Antimalarial / Artemisinin derivative
• Dosage Form: Powder for injection (reconstituted before use)
• Route of Administration: Intravenous (IV) or Intramuscular (IM) by a healthcare professional.

Artesunate injection is mainly used in hospital settings for patients with severe or complicated malaria, especially when oral medicines cannot be taken.

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2. Uses

Artesunate injection is used for:

• Treatment of severe malaria caused by Plasmodium parasites
• Complicated malaria infections affecting organs
• Situations where rapid parasite killing is required

After the injection treatment, doctors usually continue therapy with oral antimalarial medicines to complete the treatment.

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3. Mechanism of Action

Artesunate works by destroying the malaria parasites inside red blood cells.
It produces toxic free radicals inside the parasite, which leads to parasite death and rapid reduction of malaria infection.

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4. Dosage (General Information)

Typical dosing guideline:

• 2.4 mg/kg IV at 0 hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours, then once daily until oral therapy can be started.

Dose depends on patient weight and severity, so it must be given only by a doctor or trained medical professional.

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5. Common Side Effects

Some patients may experience:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Weakness
• Loss of appetite

Serious but rare effects:

• Hemolytic anemia (breakdown of red blood cells)
• Kidney problems
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
• Allergic reactions.

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6. Precautions

• Use only under medical supervision.
• Monitor blood tests for several weeks after treatment because delayed anemia may occur.
• Use cautiously in liver or kidney disease patients.