Artemether
Artemether is a derivative of artemisinin (herb found in china). Artemether is used for the treatment of malaria (intermittent or remittent diseases characterized by attacks of chills, fever, and sweating and caused by a parasitic protozoan transferred to the human bloodstream by an anopheles mosquito) in combination with other anti-malarial drugs resistant to conventional drugs.
Primary Characteristics
It is of Natural origin and belongs to Sesquiterpene lactone.
It is classified in Antimalarial Agent pharmacological group.
Molecular Weight: 298.4 · Solubility in Water: insoluble · Solubility in Alcohol: null · Non-proprietary name: Artemether.
Pharmacokinetics
Distribution: Artemether has a volume of distribution is 20 litre. plasma protein binding is 95.4%.
Elimination: it is metabolised via liver, plasma half-life is 45 min.
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Indications
Artemether is primarily indicated in conditions like Chloroquine resistant malaria, Complicated and severe malaria, Uncomplicated malaria.
Contraindications
Artemether is contraindicated in conditions like Pulmonary edema, Hypersensitivity, Pregnancy, Breast feeding, Cerebral malaria, QTc prolongation.
Dosage
Artemether's dosage details are as follows:
| Dose | Single Dose | Frequency | Route | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Dosage | ||||
| 160 mg | 160 mg | Every 24h | PO,IM | Initial |
| 80 mg | 80 mg | Every 24h | PO.IM | Maintenance, As Required |
| Paediatric Dosage (20kg) | ||||
| 3.2 mg/kg | 3.2 mg/kg | Every 12h | Intra Muscular | For 3 Days |
| 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
Artemether in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include QT prolongation, Retinopathy , Neurotoxicity .
Artemether produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Cardiovascular depression, Cardiopulmonary arrest. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.
The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Artemether are Convulsions , Coma, Cardiopulmonary arrest, Vomiting.
Artemether is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Abdominal pain, Abnormal gait, Anorexia , Decreased hearing, Diarrhea, Dizziness, Elevation of liver enzymes, Fever, Headache, Hypotension , Insomnia, Itching, Nausea, parasthesia, Pruritus , Rashes , Sleep disturbance, Sleep disturbancesX, Tinnitus, Transient low fever, Urticaria, Vomiting .
Warnings / Precautions
Available Brands
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Single Ingredient
Storage Conditions
Drug Classification
- 1.6.4.3 — Antimalarials
Manufacturers
Manufacturers of Artemether in Pakistan: