Artemether Injection, Medicine Type : Allopathic

We offer Artemether Injection that contains lipid-soluble methyl ether of dihydroartemisinin. The constituent has very rapid schizontocidal activity against blood forms ofP. falciparum and P. vivax. After intramuscular administration, peak plasma concentrations are attained within about 6 hours. Artemether Injection has been reported to clear fever in severe falciparum malaria within 30-84 hours. We make it available in strengths such as 40mg and 80mg.

Clinical information :

• Uses : Treatment of slide-confirmed severe falciparum malaria in areas where there is evidence that quinine is ineffective. Radical cure should then be effected with a full dose of an effective oral antimalarial such as mefloquine.

• Dosage and administration :
  
  • Adults and children over 6 months : 3.2 mg/kg as a loading dose by intramuscular injection, followed by 1.6 mg/kg daily until the patient is able to tolerate oral medication or for a maximum of 7 days.
  • Precautions : Artemether should be used for the treatment of severe falciparum malaria only where there is evidence that the antimalarial efficacy of quinine is declining.
  • For children, since the injected volumes will be small, it is advisable to use a 1-ml syringe to ensure that the correct dose is given.

• Use in pregnancy : Little experience has been gained with the use of this drug in pregnancy but it should not be withheld if it is considered life-saving to the mother.

• Adverse effects :
  
  • Neurotoxicity has been observed in animal studies but not in humans.
  • Cardiotoxicity has been observed following administration of high doses of artemether.

• Storage : The oily preparation should be stored in tightly closed containers, protected from light.