Artesunate/amodiaquine

From WikiMD's WELLNESSPEDIA

Artesunate/amodiaquine is a combination medication used in the treatment of malaria, specifically for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. This medication combines two active ingredients, artesunate and amodiaquine, both of which are antimalarial drugs.

Chemical structure of artesunate/amodiaquine

Mechanism of Action[edit]

Artesunate is a sesquiterpene lactone derivative, which quickly reduces the number of parasites in the first three days of infection, while amodiaquine, a 4-aminoquinoline, clears remaining parasites.

Usage and Administration[edit]

Artesunate/amodiaquine is administered orally. The dosage and duration of treatment depend on the patient's age and the severity of the disease. It is typically given once daily for three days.

Side Effects[edit]

Common side effects include abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Serious side effects may include a slow heart rate, hearing problems, and low blood cell levels. It is not recommended in people with a history of liver or kidney disease.

Resistance[edit]

Resistance to artesunate/amodiaquine has been reported, particularly in Southeast Asia and South America. This resistance is typically due to genetic changes in the malaria parasite.

History[edit]

Artesunate/amodiaquine was first developed in the 1980s as a response to increasing resistance to chloroquine. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.

See Also[edit]


Sponsored Health Resource

W8MD weight loss success

W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep & MedSpa

Looking for physician-supervised weight loss, semaglutide, tirzepatide, or GLP-1 receptor agonist options? W8MD helps eligible patients in New York City, Brooklyn, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and greater Philadelphia with medical weight loss, sleep medicine, and long-term maintenance support.

GLP-1 specials: Affordable GLP-1 injections NYC and Philadelphia starting from $29.99/week and up for semaglutide with insurance accepted for qualifying visits, and $45/week and up for tirzepatide with insurance accepted for qualifying visits. Self-pay options start from $59.99/week and up for semaglutide and $69.99/week and up for tirzepatide.

Book a W8MD appointment · View GLP-1 specials

Paid promotional message. Eligibility, pricing, insurance coverage, medication availability, and results vary. Medical evaluation required.

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Content may be inaccurate or outdated and should not be used for diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical decisions. Verify information with trusted sources such as CDC.gov and NIH.gov. By using this site, you agree that WikiMD is not liable for any outcomes related to its content. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.