What is Artesun 60mg Injection?
Artesun 60mg Injection is a highly effective antimalarial treatment containing Artesunate. It is manufactured by Guilin Pharmaceutical and was the first injectable artesunate to receive WHO prequalification. In Nigeria, it is considered the gold-standard treatment for severe malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, especially when patients cannot take oral medicine due to vomiting or other complications.
How it Works
The active ingredient, Artesunate, works by rapidly clearing malaria parasites from the blood. This helps to stabilize patients quickly and reduce the risk of death from complicated malaria. It is a fast-acting, life-saving medication used in hospitals across Nigeria.
Usage and Administration
Artesun 60mg is a hospital-grade medicine that must be administered by a qualified healthcare professional. It can be given via:
- Intravenous (IV) Injection
- Intramuscular (IM) Injection
The product comes as a powder that must be mixed (reconstituted) using a 2-step process with the provided Sodium Bicarbonate and Saline solution. Once mixed, the injection must be used within one hour.
Safety and Precautions
Artesun is generally used for at least 24 hours (3 doses) before switching to an oral malaria drug (ACT) to complete the treatment. While safe for children and adults, it is a Prescription-Only Medicine (POM). If you or a loved one shows signs of severe malaria like high fever, weakness, or yellowing of the eyes, seek medical attention immediately. You can also speak with a GoMed pharmacist for more guidance on malaria management.