Description
Artesunate is a white crystalline powder odorless and almost tasteless.
Pharmacologic Effects
Artesunate has an excellent anti-malarial activity on the asexual forms of malaria parasites with
high, quick efficiency to bring about rapid control of an acute attack. It has advantages of no
cross resistance to Chloroquine.
Absorption, Distribution and Excretion
The concentration in plasma decreases rapidly after administered intravenously. The plasma half-
life time is about 30 minutes. It distributes widely throughout the body and with high
concentration in intestines, liver and kidneys. Only a small quantity excretes in urine and stools.
It is mainly eliminated by metabolic bio-transformation.
Indications
Artesunate is developed for killing the erythrocytic stage of plasmodium asexual form. It
is effective to malaria caused by chloroquine resistant stain of plasmodium falciparum. It can
quickly and reliably control the acute attack of malaria. It is suitable to salvage the patients with
pernicious malaria and treat P. falciparum malaria and P. vivax malaria. Artesunate Injection is
indicated for the treatment of serious malaria infections and the patients with cerebral malaria.
Administration and Dosage
Artesunate for Injection (60 mg/vial)
It should be administered in a dose of 60 mg via intra-muscular or intravenous infusion, once
daily for 5-7 days for a course. Double the first dose! Total doses are 360-480 mg for adults.
The vial of Artesunate powder should be mixed with 1 ml of 5% sodium biocarbonate
solution (provided) and shaken 2-3 minutes for better dissolution.
Add 5 ml of 5% glucose or normal saline to make the concentration of Artesunate in 10 mg/ml
for slow intravenous infusion!
Add 2 ml of 5% glucose or normal saline to make the concentration of Artesunate in 20 mg/ml
for intra-muscular injection!
Doses for Children: 1.2mg/kg for children.