Artesunate: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Artesunate is an artemisinin antimalarial. It is a prescription medicine used for severe malaria and falciparum malaria. In Pakistan it is available as tablets and injections, made by 6 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Artesunate works

Artesunate is converted in the body to dihydroartemisinin, which rapidly kills the malaria parasites living inside red blood cells. It reduces the number of parasites faster than older medicines, which is why it saves lives in severe malaria. A partner medicine is added to clear any parasites left behind.

What is Artesunate used for?

• Severe malaria and falciparum malaria

Artesunate injection is the preferred treatment for severe malaria in adults and children and is given in hospital. Once the patient can take tablets, a full course of an artemisinin combination therapy follows. For uncomplicated falciparum malaria, artesunate tablets are used only together with a partner antimalarial, such as amodiaquine, mefloquine or sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, never on their own.

Side effects of Artesunate

It can be hard to separate side effects of Artesunate from symptoms of malaria. Commonly reported effects include:

• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness

Report dark urine, unusual tiredness, breathlessness or yellow skin in the weeks after treatment, as delayed anaemia can occur, especially after injections. Get urgent help for signs of an allergic reaction.

Precautions and warnings

• Confirm malaria with a blood test where possible before treatment.
• Complete the full course, including the partner medicine, so that all the parasites are cleared.
• Artesunate should not be taken on its own for uncomplicated malaria, as this encourages drug resistance.
• A follow-up blood check may be advised after treatment for severe malaria.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, as they will choose the most suitable malaria treatment for each stage of pregnancy.

Frequently asked questions about Artesunate

What is the price of Artesunate in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Artesunate products currently in stock range from Rs 151 to Rs 634 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Gen M 30mg Injection at Rs 151. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Artesunate are available in Pakistan?

Artesunate is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Gen (Genix Pharma Ltd), Gen-m (Genix Pharma Ltd), Mether (Helix Pharma Ltd) and Misonate (Tabros Pharma).

Do I need a prescription for Artesunate?

Yes. Artesunate is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.

Can Artesunate be used during pregnancy?

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, as they will choose the most suitable malaria treatment for each stage of pregnancy.

Are all Artesunate brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Artesunate in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Artesunate brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 16 products containing Artesunate from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.

Related medicines

Artemether + Lumefantrine · Chloroquine Phosphate · Sulfadoxine + Pyrimethamine · Doxycycline · Dihydroartemisinin + Piperaquine · Amodiaquine