ARTEMISININ

ARTEMISININ 100

 

What is this medicine?

ARTEMISININ is a sesquiterpene lactone derived from the sweet wormwood plant (Artemisia annua). It’s a potent antimalarial used primarily in artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) to treat uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria and other types of malaria .

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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Allergy to artemisinin or plant derivatives

• Liver or kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders or ulcers

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding – not recommended in the first trimester; use only when necessary

• If you have any heart conditions—some ACTs combined with artemisinin can prolong QT interval

Also inform if you are taking any other antimalarials, medications that affect the liver enzyme CYP3A4, or any alcohol/recreational drugs.

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How should I use this medicine?

• Typical adult dose: 100–200 mg orally once daily in short courses (3–7 days), often as part of a combination therapy for malaria .

• In combination treatment (e.g., with piperaquine): dosing may be 2 tablets at 0 and 24 hrs, total 4 tablets across 48 hrs .

• Take with food—especially fatty meals—to enhance absorption .

• Duration depends on specific malaria treatment guidelines or provider’s instructions—short-term use only.

• Overdosage: seek immediate medical attention (symptoms include nausea, dizziness, fatigue, numbness) .

• Do not share this medicine with others.

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What if I miss a dose?

• If it’s a single treatment course (e.g. malaria), take the missed dose as soon as you remember—unless it’s almost time for the next dose, then skip it.

• Do not double dose.

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What may interact with this medicine?

• Antimalarial drugs used in combination therapies (necessary to prevent resistance) .

• Drugs affecting CYP3A4 enzyme (e.g. certain antibiotics, antifungals)—can alter drug levels .

• Hormonal contraceptives—efficacy may be reduced when taken with some ACTs .

• Avoid with medications that prolong QT interval or affect heart rhythm .

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What should I watch for while using this medicine?

• Use only in combination regimens—monotherapy may lead to drug resistance .

• Monitor liver function and blood counts, especially during prolonged use .

• If used as ACT, monitor heart function, as some combinations may cause QT prolongation .

• Watch for allergic reactions or liver inflammation—rare but possible .

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What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Serious—report immediately:

• Allergic reactions (rash, difficulty breathing)

• Signs of liver inflammation (jaundice, dark urine)

• Irregular heartbeat if used with QT-prolonging antimalarials

Common mild side effects:

• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness

• Mild blood abnormalities (e.g. low blood cell counts)

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Where should I keep my medicine?

• Store at room temperature, protected from light, moisture, and heat .

• Keep out of the reach of children.

• Discard properly after the expiration date.