Artemether

Artemether is a medication used for the treatment of malaria. The drug is a semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin, a natural product of the Chinese plant Artemisia annua, also known as sweet wormwood. Artemether is often combined with lumefantrine and used in the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria.

Chemistry

Artemether is a lipid-soluble compound, which improves the bioavailability of the drug, allowing it to cross the blood-brain barrier and reach the parasites in the brain. It is a sesquiterpene lactone and is structurally related to the other artemisinin derivatives including artesunate and dihydroartemisinin.

Pharmacology

Artemether is rapidly absorbed and is highly effective against the blood stages of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. It works by damaging the parasite's mitochondria and apicoplast, which are essential for its survival.

Clinical use

Artemether is used in combination with lumefantrine in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by P. falciparum or P. vivax. The combination is known as artemether/lumefantrine, which is sold under the trade names Coartem and Riamet.

Side effects

Common side effects of artemether include nausea, vomiting, and anorexia. Serious side effects may include QT prolongation, which can lead to serious heart problems.

See also

• Artemisinin
• Artesunate
• Dihydroartemisinin
• Lumefantrine