Artesunate is used together with other medicines to treat malaria. Malaria is a serious infection that is spread by mosquitoes.
Take Artesunate exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take Artesunate at regular intervals as directed. Do not skip any doses. Continue to take it even when you feel better. You must complete the entire course unless otherwise directed. If you do not complete the course, the infection may not clear completely.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you ever had an allergic reaction (breathlessness, rashes, swollen eyes) to Artesunate as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- heart disease
- porphyria (an inherited disorder that may cause skin or nervous system abnormalities).
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
In addition to taking Artesunate, you must also take preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites. This will help prevent you from being re-infected with malaria. Use an effective insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to reduce exposure. Avoid going out between dusk to dawn. Effective insect repellents should contain at least 20-33% diethyltoluamide (DEET).
Artesunate may make you feel dizzy. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and rash.
Some side effects may be serious, although they are not common. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience:
- breathlessness, severe rash, swelling of the face, lips, or mouth
- irregular heartbeat
- tremor, lack of coordination, slurred speech, anxiety, overresponsive reflexes, restlessness
- frequent and persistent sore throat with fever
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for heart disease e.g. amiodarone
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. efavirenz, nevirapine
- medicines for skin disorders e.g. dapsone
- other medicines for malaria e.g. lumefantrine, artemether
- medicines for depression or mood disorders e.g. desipramine, trancylpromine, fluphenazine, chlorpromazine
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Artesunate.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid high-fat meals while taking this medication.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Sign Out
