Zmal

Zmal 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 Zmal are potent, effective, and safe in patients with uncomplicated malaria compared with other antimalarial agents.

Common side effects of Zmal 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 Zmal 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, Zmal and its derivatives are not recommended unless alternative drug treatments are unsuitable.

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

Zmal and alcohol together has not been proven to cause harm, therefore it is safe to drink while taking your Zmal. 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 Zmal should be avoided in patients who are allergic to Zmal or any of its components. However, if you are not aware of any allergy or if you are usingZmal 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.

Zmal 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.

Zmal 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.