FALCIGO 60MG INJECTION

💉 Artesunate 60mg Injection – A Lifesaving Antimalarial Therapy 🌍🦟

Introduction:
Artesunate 60mg injection is a fast-acting antimalarial drug used in the treatment of severe malaria, particularly caused by Plasmodium falciparum, which is the most deadly form. Derived from artemisinin, a compound extracted from the plant Artemisia annua (sweet wormwood), artesunate is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the first-line treatment for severe malaria due to its rapid action and high efficacy.

🧪 Pharmacological Profile

• Active Ingredient: Artesunate (60 mg per vial), supplied as a powder for reconstitution

• Drug Class: Artemisinin derivatives (antimalarial)

• Route of Administration: Intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM), depending on the clinical setting

• Mechanism of Action: Artesunate acts rapidly by producing reactive oxygen species (free radicals) that damage parasitic proteins and membranes. It targets the early stages of the parasite life cycle in red blood cells, reducing the parasite biomass quickly and improving patient survival.

📋 Clinical Indications

Artesunate 60mg injection is indicated for:

• Severe or complicated malaria, especially due to P. falciparum

• Malaria with:

  • Cerebral involvement

  • Respiratory distress

  • Renal failure

  • High parasitemia

  • Refractory to oral antimalarial therapy

• Malaria in areas with multidrug-resistant strains

💊 Dosage and Administration

Dosage for Adults and Children:

• Initial dose: 2.4 mg/kg body weight IV or IM

• Followed by doses at 12 hours, 24 hours, then once daily for up to 7 days

• Switch to a complete oral course (e.g., artemether-lumefantrine) once the patient can tolerate oral medications

Preparation:

• Artesunate powder is reconstituted with 1 mL of 5% sodium bicarbonate, followed by dilution with 5 mL of 0.9% saline or 5% dextrose

• Use immediately after preparation

⚠️ Warnings and Precautions

• Must be administered in a hospital setting with resuscitation facilities available

• Monitor for delayed hemolysis (typically occurs 7–21 days after treatment)

• Use caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment

• Not intended for prophylaxis or uncomplicated malaria

🚫 Contraindications

• Known hypersensitivity to artesunate or other artemisinin derivatives

• Avoid use in first trimester of pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks (WHO allows it for severe malaria due to the danger of the disease itself)

🤒 Adverse Effects

Generally well-tolerated, but possible side effects include:

• Common:

  • Dizziness, fever, nausea, or injection site pain

• Serious:

  • Post-treatment hemolysis

  • Liver enzyme elevation

  • Allergic reactions (rare but possible)

Continuous monitoring of hemoglobin levels and liver function is advisable after treatment, especially in high-risk or pediatric patients.

🧾 Storage and Handling

• Store below 25°C in a dry place

• Protect from light

• Reconstituted solution should be used within 1 hour

• Keep out of reach of children

✅ Conclusion

Artesunate 60mg injection is a critical drug in the fight against severe malaria, offering rapid parasite clearance, high safety profile, and reduced mortality. As resistance to other antimalarials rises, artesunate remains a cornerstone of emergency malaria treatment, especially in resource-limited settings and endemic regions. Proper administration, follow-up with oral therapy, and patient monitoring are essential for optimal outcomes.