Dihydroartemisinin + Piperaquine: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Dihydroartemisinin + Piperaquine is an artemisinin-based combination antimalarial. It is a prescription medicine used for uncomplicated falciparum malaria. In Pakistan it is available as capsules, powder and tablets, made by 7 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 Dihydroartemisinin + Piperaquine works

Dihydroartemisinin acts very quickly, killing most of the malaria parasites in the blood within a short time. Piperaquine works more slowly but stays in the body much longer, clearing the remaining parasites and lowering the chance of the infection returning soon after treatment.

What is Dihydroartemisinin + Piperaquine used for?

• Uncomplicated falciparum malaria

Dihydroartemisinin + Piperaquine is used to treat uncomplicated malaria, particularly malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, in adults and children. It is an artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), the type of treatment recommended by the World Health Organization. It is not used for severe malaria, which needs hospital treatment with injections, and malaria should ideally be confirmed with a blood test first.

Side effects of Dihydroartemisinin + Piperaquine

Some symptoms of malaria itself can overlap with side effects of Dihydroartemisinin + Piperaquine. Commonly reported effects include:

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

Seek urgent help for palpitations, fainting or an irregular heartbeat, and go back to a doctor if fever continues, symptoms worsen, or vomiting stops you keeping the tablets down.

Precautions and warnings

• Take it on an empty stomach, away from food and especially fatty meals, as food increases the risk of effects on heart rhythm.
• Complete the full course, even if you feel better, so that all the parasites are cleared.
• Tell your doctor if you or your family have heart rhythm problems, or if you take medicines that affect heart rhythm.
• It is generally avoided in the first three months of pregnancy unless no suitable alternative exists, so tell your doctor if you are or could be pregnant.
• If you vomit soon after taking it, contact your doctor for advice.

Frequently asked questions about Dihydroartemisinin + Piperaquine

What is the price of Dihydroartemisinin + Piperaquine in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Dihydroartemisinin + Piperaquine products currently in stock range from Rs 38 to Rs 1,036 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Peprohyd 15mg/120mg Powder at Rs 38. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Dihydroartemisinin + Piperaquine are available in Pakistan?

Dihydroartemisinin + Piperaquine is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Dipip (Hilton Pharma Ltd), Artequine (Platinum), Timequin (Sami Pharma Ltd), Diphos (Genix Pharma Ltd), Paraquin (Genome Pharmaceuticals Ltd), Artepip (Helix Pharma Ltd) and Peprohyd (Metro).

Do I need a prescription for Dihydroartemisinin + Piperaquine?

Yes. Dihydroartemisinin + Piperaquine 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 Dihydroartemisinin + Piperaquine be used during pregnancy?

It is generally avoided in the first three months of pregnancy unless no suitable alternative exists, so tell your doctor if you are or could be pregnant.

Are all Dihydroartemisinin + Piperaquine brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Dihydroartemisinin + Piperaquine 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.

Dihydroartemisinin + Piperaquine brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 9 products containing Dihydroartemisinin + Piperaquine from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.

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