Artemether 80 mg/ml Injection

Description

Indication

Artemether injection is indicated for:

• Severe malaria: It is used when oral therapy is not possible or effective.
• Alternative to injectable artesunate: When artesunate is unavailable, Artemether can be used

Dosage

The dosage of artemether injection varies based on the patient’s weight:

• Initial dose: 3.2 mg/kg by intramuscular (IM) injection on the first day.
• Maintenance dose: 1.6 mg/kg once daily

For example:

• Children and adults:
  • 3-4 kg: 0.2 ml (initial), 0.1 ml (maintenance)
  • 10-14 kg: 0.6 ml (initial), 0.3 ml (maintenance)
  • 40-49 kg: 2 ml (initial), 1 ml (maintenance)

Treatment should continue parenterally for at least 24 hours (2 doses), then switch to oral therapy if possible

Side Effects

Common side effects of artemether injection include:

• Gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting)
• Dizziness
• Rarely, cardiac effects such as bradycardia and QT interval prolongation

Precautions

• Pregnancy: No contraindications, but should be used with caution.
• Breastfeeding: No contraindications.