Artemether
Sesquiterpene lactone with an endoperoxide bridge; methyl ether of Dihydroartemisinin
Kills asexual erythrocytic forms of the Plasmodium parasite by inhibiting protein synthesis during trophozoite growth.
Intramuscular (IM) use only.
Treatment of severe malaria, including cerebral malaria; second-line drug for chloroquine-resistant malaria.
Adults: Not more than 480mg over 5 days. Children: Not more than 9.6mg/kg body weight over 5 days.
Aseptically in the upper external quadrant of the buttock. Do not mix with other drugs in the same syringe.
Avoid medications that prolong the QT interval, including: Erythromycin, Terfenadine, Astimizole, Probucol, Class 1a anti-arrhythmic agents, Bepridil, Sotalol, Tricyclic antidepressants, some neuroleptics and phenothiazines.
Decrease in reticulocyte count, slight rise in SGPT. Rare cases of cardiotoxicity with high doses.
Do not exceed prescribed dose. Urgent symptomatic treatment needed for overdose. Electrocardiographic QT prolongation reported. Safety during breastfeeding unknown, caution advised.
Contraindicated in pregnancy except in essential cases (e.g., cerebral malaria).
Cool and dry place, out of reach of children. Do not use if particles are visible.