Artesunate 60mg Injection

Artesunate 60mg Injection contains Artesunate, an antimalarial agent primarily used for the initial treatment of severe malaria in both adults and children.

Benefits

Artesunate 60mg Injection offers rapid action against malaria parasites, quickly reducing the parasite load in the bloodstream. It is effective against drug-resistant malaria strains, including those resistant to chloroquine, and is recommended by the WHO as a first-line treatment for severe malaria due to its ability to reduce mortality rates.

Uses and Indications

• Initial treatment of severe malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum.
• Treatment of severe malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax or Plasmodium ovale, in combination with an 8-aminoquinoline drug to address liver stage forms.

The Artesunate 60mg Injection typically contains:

• Artesunate 60mg (active ingredient), as a sterile white crystalline powder.
• Accompanied by a solvent, usually Sodium Bicarbonate Injection BP 5% w/v.
• And a diluent, typically Sodium Chloride Injection BP 0.9% w/v or 5% glucose/dextrose for injection.

Dosage and Administration

1. Route of Administration: Administered by intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) injection.
2. Initial Dosing: For adults and children weighing 20 kg or more, the recommended dose is 2.4 mg of artesunate per kg body weight. For children weighing less than 20 kg, the dose is 3 mg of artesunate per kg body weight.
3. Dosing Schedule: Doses are typically given at 0, 12, and 24 hours, then once daily until the patient can tolerate oral antimalarial therapy.
4. Reconstitution and Dilution: The powder for injection is first reconstituted with the supplied sodium bicarbonate solvent. For IV use, further dilute with 5 ml of sodium chloride 0.9% or 5% glucose/dextrose to achieve a concentration of 10 mg/ml. For IM use, dilute with 2 ml of sodium chloride 0.9% or 5% glucose/dextrose for a concentration of 20 mg/ml. Inject IV slowly over 1-2 minutes.
5. Post-Parenteral Treatment: Injectable artesunate treatment should always be followed by a complete course of an appropriate oral antimalarial regimen.

Storage and Disposal

• Store the original packing below 30°C.
• Protect from light and moisture.
• Do not refrigerate or freeze.
• The reconstituted and diluted solutions must be used within one hour of preparation.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Discard if the solution appears cloudy or a precipitate is present after reconstitution.

Precautions and Safety

• Do not use if there is a known hypersensitivity or allergy to artesunate or other artemisinin derivatives.
• Monitor patients for signs of post-treatment hemolytic anemia for up to 4 weeks after treatment, especially in small children and travelers.
• Severe malaria is particularly hazardous during pregnancy; full-dose parenteral artesunate should be administered without delay at any stage of pregnancy.
• A small amount of artesunate enters breast milk; consult a healthcare provider regarding breastfeeding.
• Inform your healthcare provider about all other medicines, including non-prescription drugs, herbal, or vitamin supplements, as interactions may occur.

Side Effects and Risks

• Common side effects (≥ 1/100): Dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or cramps, diarrhea, rash, pain at injection site, insomnia, tinnitus, cough, nasal symptoms, hair loss, joint pain, bone and muscle disorders, fatigue, malaise, fever. Post-treatment hemolytic anemia (low red blood cells) in travelers and children, sometimes serious. Mild and transient decrease in reticulocyte count.
• Uncommon to Rare side effects (< 1/100): Severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis (skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing), severe reduction in red blood cells, low white blood cell counts, clotting factor decreases, rises in liver enzymes, heart rhythm and rate problems, inflammation of the liver or pancreas, bile stones, artery narrowing, high blood pressure affecting the eyes, tingling sensation and nerve pain, depression, seizures, multiorgan failure.

Disclaimer

Use this medicine only under the prescription and guidance of a qualified doctor or pharmacist.