ACME Artesunate Injection 120mg
ACME Artesunate Injection 120mg is a fast-acting antimalarial used for the initial treatment of severe and complicated malaria. Severe malaria is a medical emergency, often caused by Plasmodium falciparum, where the patient may be unable to take oral medicines due to vomiting or unconsciousness.
This medication contains Artesunate, a water-soluble artemisinin derivative that works rapidly to clear malaria parasites from the blood. It is widely used in Nigeria as a highly effective malaria injection for managing critical cases.
Indications for Use
This injection is specifically indicated for:
- Cerebral malaria (malaria affecting the brain).
- Severe malaria with organ failure or severe anemia.
- Patients unable to tolerate oral antimalarials.
Dosage and Administration
ACME Artesunate 120mg is for hospital use only. It must be prepared and administered by a qualified healthcare professional.
- Administration: It can be given via Intravenous (IV) or Intramuscular (IM) injection.
- Adult Dosage: The standard dose is 2.4 mg/kg body weight given at 0, 12, and 24 hours, and then once daily.
- Children's Dosage: For children weighing less than 20kg, a higher dose of 3.0 mg/kg is often recommended to ensure effective parasite clearance.
Important: After the patient is stabilized and can swallow, they must complete a full 3-day course of an oral Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) to ensure the infection is completely cleared.
Preparation and Reconstitution
The ACME Artesunate 120mg combipack includes a vial of sterile powder, a solvent (Sodium Bicarbonate), and a diluent (Sodium Chloride). The healthcare provider will dissolve the powder in the solvent before further dilution for IV or IM use.
Safety in Pregnancy and Side Effects
Artesunate is frequently used to save lives in cases of severe malaria during pregnancy. While it is generally safe, it should be used under strict medical supervision, especially in the first trimester. Common side effects may include dizziness or temporary changes in blood counts, which the hospital staff will monitor.
If you have questions about malaria treatment, you can contact a GoMed pharmacist for professional guidance on medicine delivery in Lagos and across Nigeria.