Arteemal

Arteemal is a fast acting blood schizonticide specifically indicated for the treatment of chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria and cerebral malaria cases. It is a semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin, a natural product of the Chinese plant Artemisia annua.

A meta-analysis confirmed that Arteemal are potent, effective, and safe in patients with uncomplicated malaria compared with other antimalarial agents.

Common side effects of Arteemal are include:

• Headache
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Persistent cough
• Dizziness
• Body pain
• Pain at the injection site
• Stomach discomfort and pain
• Chills and rigor
• Watery diarrhea
• Unusual tiredness and weakness
• Low WBC and Platelet count
• Swelling of the liver

The World Health Organization currently advises against the use of Arteemal in the first trimester of pregnancy, unless in a lifesaving situation where other drugs are not suitable. In the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, Arteemal and its derivatives are not recommended unless alternative drug treatments are unsuitable.

It is recommended that you do not breastfeed while taking Arteemal, as it is not known whether Arteemal passes into breast milk.

Arteemal and alcohol together has not been proven to cause harm, therefore it is safe to drink while taking your Arteemal. However, as always, it is best to consume alcohol within the recommended guidelines to stay safe and look after your health.

The recommended dose schedule is 3.2 mg beta-arteether/kg body weight on day 1, followed by 1.6 mg beta-arteether/kg on days 2 through 5.

Use of Arteemal should be avoided in patients who are allergic to Arteemal or any of its components. However, if you are not aware of any allergy or if you are usingArteemal for the first time, consult your doctor.

Cardiac effects such as bradycardia and QT interval prolongation. Pain at the injection site. This can be overcome by administering repeated injections in alternate thighs.

Arteemal is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and let your doctor know if any of the side effects bother you.

Arteemal should be administered under the supervision of a trained healthcare professional or a doctor only and should not be self-administered. The dose will depend on the condition you are being treated for and will be decided by your doctor.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention.