✅ “Artecan 120 mg Injection (Artemether): Complete Guide to Malaria Treatment”

🔬 What is Artecan 120 mg Injection?

Artecan 120 mg Injection contains Artemether, a fast-acting antimalarial drug used to treat severe or complicated malaria, especially Plasmodium falciparum malaria. It is usually given when oral medications are not suitable, such as in unconscious, vomiting, or severely ill patients.

It is administered intramuscularly and acts quickly to reduce the number of malaria parasites in the blood.

⚙️ Mechanism of Action

Artemether is a semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin, extracted from the sweet wormwood plant (Artemisia annua). It works by:

• Producing free radicals within the parasite cells
• Disrupting parasite metabolism and cell structures
• Leading to rapid killing of malaria parasites in the bloodstream

It is particularly effective against erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium species.

💡 Indications (Uses)

Artecan 120 mg is used for:

• Severe or complicated malaria, especially caused by Plasmodium falciparum
• Malaria unresponsive to oral medications
• Patients unable to tolerate oral therapy (e.g., vomiting, unconsciousness)
• Sometimes as part of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT)

📏 Dosage and Administration

✅ Recommended Adult Dosage:

• Initial dose: 3.2 mg/kg IM on day 1
• Maintenance dose: 1.6 mg/kg IM once daily for the next 4 days
• Usually continued with oral ACT therapy once the patient can take oral medication

A typical adult dose of 120 mg may be appropriate based on body weight. Dosage must be adjusted according to patient weight and clinical condition.

🔄 Administration Tips:

• Intramuscular injection, usually in the gluteal or deltoid muscle
• Given by trained healthcare professionals only
• Not for intravenous use

🚫 Contraindications

• Known allergy to artemether or related artemisinin compounds
• Caution in patients with severe hepatic impairment
• Not recommended for malaria prophylaxis (prevention)

⚠️ Warnings and Precautions

• Should only be used when oral therapy is not feasible
• May cause QT interval prolongation—use with caution in cardiac patients
• Monitor neurological symptoms during treatment
• Use with caution in pregnant women (especially during the first trimester)

💢 Possible Side Effects

Common:

• Injection site pain or swelling
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fever
• Nausea or vomiting

Rare but Serious:

• Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling)
• Heart rhythm disturbances (QT prolongation)
• Neurotoxicity (rare; observed in animal studies at high doses)

Report any unusual side effects to your healthcare provider immediately.

🤰 Use in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Pregnancy: Artemether is generally avoided in the first trimester but may be used if no safer alternative exists
• Breastfeeding: Limited data; use only if clearly needed and under medical supervision

🔄 Drug Interactions

• Avoid concurrent use with other QT-prolonging drugs (e.g., quinine, halofantrine)
• May interact with enzyme inducers like rifampicin or phenytoin, reducing effectiveness
• Should not be mixed with other drugs in the same syringe

📦 Storage Instructions

• Store below 25°C (77°F)
• Protect from light and moisture
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not freeze