Artemisinin
Artemisinin is an antimalarial, belongs to sesquiterpene lactone endoperoxide group. Artemisinin is derived from the weed qing hao (Artemisia annua), also called as wormwood or annual wormwood. The medicinal value has been known for more than 2000 years. It and related drugs are the most rapidly acting, effective and safe drugs for the treatment of severe malaria, including infection due to chloroquine and mutidrug-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum. It should not be used for prophylaxis of malaria or treatment of mild attacks.
Primary Characteristics
It is of Natural origin and belongs to Sesquiterpene lactone.
Molecular Weight: 282.3 · Non-proprietary name: Artemisinin.
Pharmacokinetics
Distribution: Artemisinin has a volume of distribution is 20 liter.
Elimination: plasma half-life is 2-3.2 hr.
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Indications
Artemisinin is primarily indicated in conditions like Chloroquine resistant malaria, Complicated and severe malaria, Uncomplicated malaria.
Contraindications
Artemisinin is contraindicated in conditions like Malaria prophylaxis.
Dosage
Artemisinin's dosage details are as follows:
| Dose | Single Dose | Frequency | Route | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Dosage | ||||
| 150 mg/day | 150 mg/day | — | oral | |
| Paediatric Dosage (20kg) | ||||
| No data. | ||||
| Neonatal Dosage (3kg) | ||||
| No data. | ||||
Drug Interactions
Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.
Side Effects
Artemisinin in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Cardiovascular toxicity , Jaundice , Neurotoxicity .
The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Artemisinin are Cardiovascular disturbances.
Artemisinin is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Abdominal cramps, Abdominal pain, Darkening of urine, Decreased reticulocytes, Dizziness, Fever, Hypotension , Nausea, Pruritus , Skin rashes, Somnolence , Sweating , Tinnitus, Transient low fever, Vomiting .
Warnings / Precautions
Available Brands
Storage Conditions
Drug Classification
- 1.6.4.3 — Antimalarials