Artesunate 120 mg injection is an anti-parasitic medication used for the initial treatment of severe malaria in both adults and children. It is the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended treatment, having been shown to be more effective than quinine in reducing mortality from severe malaria.
How it works
Artesunate belongs to a class of drugs called artemisinins. It works by producing harmful free radicals within the red blood cells that have been infected with the malarial parasite, which effectively kills the parasites.
Administration
Medical supervision: Artesunate injection must be administered by a qualified healthcare professional, usually in a hospital or clinic setting. It should never be self-administered.
Route: The injection can be given intravenously (into a vein) or intramuscularly (into a muscle).
Formulation: It is typically supplied as a powder in a vial and must be reconstituted with a special solvent before being administered.
Dosage: The dosage varies based on the patient's body weight and age.
Follow-up treatment: After initial injectable treatment for at least 24 hours, patients should be switched to a full course of an oral antimalarial medication.
Who can use it
Adults and children: It is effective in both adults and pediatric patients.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: It is considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as untreated severe malaria poses a greater risk.
Side effects
While generally well-tolerated, some common side effects may include:
Headache
Dizziness and weakness
Loss of appetite
Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)
Important precautions
Allergic reaction: Inform your doctor if you have a known allergy to artesunate.
Delayed hemolysis: In some patients, particularly those with high parasite levels, a potentially serious delayed hemolytic anemia (the destruction of red blood cells) can occur weeks after treatment. Patients should be monitored with regular blood tests for up to a month after therapy.
Pre-existing conditions: Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, as cautious monitoring may be needed.
Driving/Operating machinery: The injection may cause dizziness or sleepiness, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how you are affected.
Disclaimer: This information is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You should always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any health concerns or before starting a new medication.
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