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Artesunate

Information about Artesunate

Artesunate Uses

Artesunate is used in the treatment of malaria. It is not used to prevent malaria or to treat severe malaria (where it has affected the brain, lungs or kidneys).

How Artesunate works

Artesunate is an antiparasitic medication. It works by producing harmful chemicals (free radicals) within the malarial parasite, thereby killing it.

Common side effects of Artesunate

Headache, Dizziness, Loss of appetite, Weakness

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Saleh Rifai

BCMAS, Pharm.D

Reviewed By

Dr. Varun Gupta

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Last updated

30 Jul 2020 | 05:26 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Artesunate

Expert advice for Artesunate

Artesunate should be taken with food or drinks enriched with fat such as milk.
Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better.
It may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Use caution while driving or doing anything that requires concentration.
Do not take this medicine if you are in the first 3 months of pregnancy. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Inform your doctor if you notice flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, muscle pains and any changes in a heartbeat.
You may be asked for a regular blood test once a week while taking this medicine.

Frequently asked questions for Artesunate

Artesunate

Q. Who should not use Artesunate?

Use of Artesunate should be avoided in patients who are allergic to Artesunate or any of its components. However, if you are not aware of any allergy or if you are using Artesunate for the first time, consult your doctor.

Q. What should I tell my doctor before starting treatment with Artesunate?

Before starting treatment with Artesunate, inform your doctor if you have any other health conditions like kidney- or heart-related problems. This is because certain medical conditions may affect your treatment and you may even need dose modifications. Also, let your doctor know about all the other medicines you are taking because they may affect, or be affected by, this medicine. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Q. Is Artesunate safe?

Artesunate is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and let your doctor know if any of the side effects bother you.

Q. What if I forget to take a dose of Artesunate?

If you forget a dose of Artesunate, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose in the prescribed time. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one as this may increase the chances of developing side effects.

Q. Can I stop taking Artesunate when I feel better?

No, do not stop taking Artesunate without consulting your doctor even if you are feeling better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cured. Therefore, for better and complete treatment, it is advised to continue your treatment for the prescribed duration.