Artesunate 50MG (Norsunate)

Manufacturer/ Marketer : Enorm Med

Active Ingredient : Artesunate 50mg

Category : MALARIA

Dosage Form : Tablet/Oral

What is Artesunate?

Artesunate is a drug that is primarily used to treat malaria which is a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite. It is a derivative of artemisinin, a natural compound found in the sweet wormwood plant (Artemisia annua), which has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat fever and malaria.

Artemisinin and its derivatives, including artesunate, are known for their rapid and potent antimalarial activity. Artesunate is available in a variety of forms which includes oral tablets, injectable formulations, and suppositories, making it suitable for various patient populations and health care settings.

In addition to its primary use in treating malaria, artesunate has also shown promise for its potential antiviral and anticancer properties in some laboratory studies and clinical trials.

Uses of Artesunate

Artesunate is primarily used to treat malaria, particularly cases caused by Plasmodium falciparum, a species of malaria parasite known for its resistance to many other anti-malarial drugs. Here are the main uses of artesunate:

Treatment of Malaria : Artesunate is highly effective against malaria parasites including drug-resistant strains. It is usually used in combination with other anti-malarial medicines, such as lumefantrine (as in Cortem) or mefloquine, to provide rapid and effective treatment.

Severe malaria : Artesunate is often the treatment of choice for severe cases of malaria, including cerebral malaria, because of its rapid action and ability to reduce the mortality associated with severe malaria.

Malaria prevention : While not generally used for prevention, artesunate may be used as a preventive measure in certain high-risk situations or for travelers to areas with drug-resistant malaria strains.

It is important to note that the use of artesunate and its recommended dosage may vary depending on the region and the specific malaria strains prevalent in that region. Additionally, this drug may be available in a variety of forms, including oral tablets, injectable formulations, and suppositories, with the choice of formulation depending on the patient's condition and available health care facilities.

Artesunate should be used only under the guidance of a qualified health care professional, specifically for the treatment of malaria, as inappropriate use or inadequate dosing may contribute to the development of drug-resistant malaria parasites. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions when using artesunate or any anti-malarial medicine.

Artensunate Dosage

The dosage of artesunate can change which depends on the formulation of the medication, the type and severity of malaria being treated, and the patient's age and weight. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and instructions which are provided by a qualified healthcare professional or the manufacturer's recommendations on the medicine label.

The general guidelines for the dosage of artesunate are provided below :-

Artesunate Tablets (Oral):

• The typical adult dosage for artesunate tablets is 200 mg per day.
• The specific dosage may vary based on local treatment guidelines and the type of malaria parasites in the region.

Artesunate Injectable (Intravenous or Intramuscular):

• Injectable artesunate is often used for the treatment of severe malaria.
• The dosage and duration of treatment with injectable artesunate are typically determined by the patient's weight and the severity of the infection.

The dosage can vary by region and may change over time due to factors like drug resistance patterns. Therefore, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider or follow the local treatment guidelines when taking the correct dosage of artesunate.

Side effects of artesunate?

Artesunate tablet is generally considered safe and well tolerated when used to treat malaria, especially when administered in recommended doses and under the supervision of a health care professional. However, like any other medicine, it may show some side effects in some cases. Artesunate's common side effects include

Gastrointestinal Disturbance

• Nausea
• Vomit
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain or discomfort

Dizziness or Headache : Some individuals may experience dizziness or mild headache.

Mild allergic reactions : In rare case, people may find mild allergic reactions, which may include itching or a skin rash. Also, Serious allergic reactions are extremely rare.

Injection side reactions : When artesunate is given as an injection, mild pain, redness, or swelling may occur at the injection site.

Neurological effects : In rare cases, artesunate treatment has been associated with neurological side effects, such as confusion or mental status changes. These are more common when artesunate is used to treat severe malaria.