Artemether

Oral
Acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria

Should be taken with food.

Hypersensitivity.

Pregnancy and lactation. Avoid concomitant use of drugs known to prolong QT interval or monitor such patients.

Mild GI disturbance, dizziness, tinnitus, reduction in reticulocyte and leucocyte counts, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bradycardia, 1st-degree heart block, transient increase in serum transaminases.

Artemether causes QT prolongation in some patients. Thus concomitant use of erythromycin, terfenadine, procainamide, quinidine, disopyramide, amiodarone, bretylium, bepridil, sotalol, astemizole, probucol, tricyclic antidepressants, phenothiazines may be avoided.

Description:
Mechanism of Action: Artemether is a potent and rapidly acting blood schizontocide, which is highly efficacious in treating chloroquine-resistant falciparum malaria, and complicated falciparum malaria including cerebral malaria. Its quick onset of effect and high efficacy in bringing down the parasite load are the properties which make this drug a suitable therapeutic option against falciparum infection.
Pharmacokinetics:
Metabolism: Rapidly hydrolysed to the active metabolite dihydroartemisinin.
Excretion: Elimination half-life: about 4-11 hr after IM or oral admin.

Store below 30°C.

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