Indicated for: malaria
Route of administration: injectable
Substance: artesunate (antimalarial)
ATC: P01BE03 (Antiparasitic products, insecticides and repellents | Antimalarials | Artemisinin and derivatives, plain)
Artesunate is a medication used in the treatment of severe malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. It is a semisynthetic derivative of artemisinin that acts rapidly against the parasite by generating reactive oxygen species that destroy infected cells.
Artesunate is administered intravenously or intramuscularly and is recommended in cases of severe malaria, particularly in patients who cannot tolerate oral therapy. It is often used in combination with other antimalarial drugs to prevent recurrence of the infection.
Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, fever, and injection site reactions. In rare cases, severe allergic reactions or delayed hemolysis may occur, requiring careful monitoring.
Artesunate is an essential medication in the treatment of severe malaria, helping to reduce mortality and improve outcomes for patients affected by this serious disease.