Artemether Pharmacology

Artemether

About Artemether
It is a derivative of artemesinin. Methylether of dihydroartemisinin, a novel sesquiterpene lactone very rapid schizontocidal, used to treat fever and malaria.
Mechanism of Action of Artemether
It is a schizonticidal drug. The endoperoxide bridges in Artemether are cleaved by the binding of haeme and liberate highly active free radicals. These radicals bind to membrane proteins and cause lipid peroxidation and damages endoplasmic reticulum. It also inhibits protein synthesis and lysis of the parasite.
Pharmacokinets of Artemether
Absorption: Artemether is orally well absorbed. Distribution: It is distributed in plasma protein bound form. Metabolism: It is metabolised in the liver to active dihydro artemisnin
Onset of Action for Artemether
N/A
Duration of Action for Artemether
N/A
Half Life of Artemether
45 minutes
Side Effects of Artemether
1.Nausea
2.Vomiting
3.Diarrhoea
4.Abdominal pain
5.Tinnitus
6.Reduction in reticulocyte and leucocytes count
7.Dizziness
8.Bradycardia
9.Pain at the site of injection

Contra-indications of Artemether
1.Hypersensitivity to Artemether and other Artemisnin derivatives
Special Precautions while taking Artemether
1.Renal impairment
2.Hepatic impairment
3.Cardiac failure
4.Monitor patients on concomitant use of drugs which cause prolongation of QT intervals
Pregnancy Related Information
Use with caution
First trimester: contraindicated
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Contraindicated
Children Related Information
N/A
Indications for Artemether
1.Multi drug resistant Malaria
2.Ceribral Malaria
3.Chloroquine resistant Malaria
Interactions for Artemether
Erythromycin, terfenadine, astemizole, quinidine, amiodarone, disopyramide, bretylium, bearidil, sotalol, TCAs should be avoided.
Typical Dosage for Artemether
Adult(IM)80 mg twice daily for 1 day followed by 80 mg once daily for 4 days
Maximum dose: 480 mg for 5 days
Children (IM): 3.2 mg/kg body weight /day in 2 divided dose followed by 1.6 mg / kg body weight / day once daily for 4 days
Maximum dose: 9.6 mg / kg for 5 days
Schedule of Artemether
H
Storage Requirements for Artemether
Store at 15-30 degree C in a tightly closed container. Protect from heat and moisture.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Artemether
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Effects of Overdose of Artemether
Give supportive measures and symptomatic treatment. Drug can be removed from the body by gastric lavage or by inducing emesis. Absorption of the drug can be reduced by administration of activated charcoal. Excretion of the drug can be enhanced by administration of sodium bicarbonate. Haemodialysis can be done in emergency conditions.

Home Delivery for Artemether in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including artemether.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for artemether and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for artemether may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take artemether only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for artemether before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for artemether with the pharmacy.

Artemether is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for artemether might be better known than artemether itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have artemether in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for artemether.