Artesunate was initially approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2020.

Artesunate, an antimalarial medication, is primarily used to treat malaria infections caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite. It is particularly effective against severe and multidrug-resistant cases of malaria.

Artesunate can be administered through intravenous (IV) for rapid action in severe cases, intramuscular (IM) as an alternative injection method, and oral as tablets for convenience in less severe cases. The choice depends on the patient's condition and instructions by the health care provider.

Common side effects of Artesunate include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, and digestive discomfort. While these are generally mild and transient, more serious side effects might occur, albeit less commonly. These can include severe allergic reactions, hemolytic anemia (in individuals with G6PD deficiency), and potential liver complications.

Artesunate might cause serious adverse effects such as severe allergic reactions, hemolytic anemia (in individuals with G6PD deficiency), and rare but severe liver problems. This medication can trigger severe allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or difficulty breathing. Stopping treatment prematurely can lead to incomplete clearance of the infection and potential relapse.

After taking Artesunate, a patient needs close monitoring for signs of adverse events such as severe allergic reactions and hemolytic anemia (in individuals with G6PD deficiency. If you experience symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing, seek medical help. Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you notice symptoms like yellowing of the eyes/skin, dark urine, persistent nausea, or abdominal pain. Finish the full prescribed course of this medication, even if symptoms improve.

Before starting Artesunate, consult your healthcare provider, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have liver issues, or take other medications. Discuss your medical history of allergies, with your doctor before starting this medication.. Monitor for serious side effects like allergic reactions and anemia (if you have G6PD deficiency). Avoid alcohol, follow prescribed dosages and timing, and store this medication properly. Inform your doctor of adverse reactions, and complete the full course of treatment. Children, older individuals, and those with kidney issues require special consideration. If traveling, discuss malaria prevention plans. Keep emergency contact information available and understand usage guidelines thoroughly. 

1. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Antimalarial drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 829-831.
2. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Chemotherapy of Malaria, 12th edition, 2011, 1396.
3. Amivas LLC, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on May 2020] [ Accessed on 26th August 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/213036s000lbl.pdf

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.