Perhaps you or someone in your family has had to be hospitalized due to a severe case of malaria. Artesunate is a very important, powerful drug that doctors use to save lives in times like these. It is given as an injection through a vein (intravenously). So today we will talk about this drug, how it works, and what you need to be careful about.
What exactly is artesunate?
Simply put, Artesunate is a very powerful drug used to treat malaria. It is the main drug given when malaria becomes severe and begins to affect major organs such as the brain and kidneys (severe malaria). It controls the disease by destroying the malaria parasites inside the body.
The most important thing is that this is not a medicine that you can take home. The artesunate injection is given entirely in a hospital, under medical supervision.
Things you should tell your doctor before giving this medicine
Before you start treatment, it is very important to give your doctor or nursing staff a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to mention the following:
- Allergies: Tell us if you have any allergies to Artesunate or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, be sure to let us know.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother, you should also mention that.
- Other medical conditions: Tell your doctor about any liver, kidney, or other medical conditions you have.
Based on this information, the medical team will decide whether to give you this medicine or how to give it.
How can I give you this medicine?
This is an injection that is given into a vein. That is, it is given as an IV (intravenous). This is done in a hospital or clinic by a trained doctor or nurse. You will be given this injection according to the dose and schedule prescribed by the doctor.
If you are giving this medicine to young children, make a decision after talking to a pediatrician, as there are some things to be especially careful about.
What to do if the medication dose increases?
Since this is given in a hospital setting, the chance of an overdose is very low. However, if you think you have been exposed to something, tell a doctor or nurse immediately. Usually, in the event of a poisoning, you can call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. However, in the event of something else happening in a hospital setting, you should inform the team treating you directly.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
Since this is given in the hospital, the medical staff will make sure that the doses are given at the right time. So you don't need to worry about that. However, if for some reason you can't get the vaccine on time, tell the doctor or nurse.
Other drugs that may interact with artesunate
Other medications you are taking can affect the way Artesunate works. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking. This includes over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and traditional medicines (such as decoctions and pills).
| Drug category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Some anticancer drugs | axitinib, imatinib, vandetanib |
| Medications for seizures | carbamazepine, phenytoin |
| Some HIV treatment drugs | nevirapine, ritonavir |
| Other medications | diclofenac, rifampin |
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take, if you smoke, or if you drink alcohol.
Things to consider during treatment
The medical team will monitor your condition very carefully throughout the time you are given this medicine.
In particular, you may need to have blood tests to check your red blood cell count (hemoglobin) and liver and kidney function. This is normal.
What are the possible side effects of the medicine?
Like any medicine, Artesunate can cause some side effects. Some of these are serious, some are not so serious. The most important thing is to inform your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor/nurse immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue or face. |
| Difficulty breathing | Difficulty breathing, chest tightness. |
| Symptoms of kidney damage | Change in the frequency or amount of urination, difficulty urinating. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark yellow/brown urine, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, nausea, loss of appetite. |
| Anemia | Unusual tiredness/fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath (this can occur even weeks after taking the medicine). |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported if they persist | |
|---|---|
| Cough | Vomiting |
| Stomach ache | Change in taste in the mouth |
| Diarrhea | Headache |
| Dizziness | Hearing a ringing in the ears |
| Fever | |
If you notice anything unusual that is not on this list, talk to your doctor about it too.
Take-Home Message
- Artesunate is a very powerful injection that is only given in a hospital for severe malaria cases.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your allergies, pregnancy, and all other medications you are taking.
- During treatment, blood tests may be performed to check your liver, kidneys, and blood cells.
- Notify medical staff immediately if you experience difficulty breathing, yellowing of the skin/eyes, changes in urination, or symptoms of a severe allergic reaction.
- This medicine is not intended to be taken home for use or shared with others.
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