✅ “Artecan 60 mg Injection (Artemether): Fast-Acting Treatment for Severe Malaria”

🔬 What is Artecan 60 mg Injection?

Artecan 60 mg Injection contains Artemether, a potent antimalarial medication used to treat severe and complicated malaria, especially those caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite. It is a fast-acting treatment designed for intramuscular use, particularly beneficial in cases where oral medications cannot be used due to vomiting, unconsciousness, or severe illness.

⚙️ Mechanism of Action

Artemether, a derivative of the natural compound artemisinin, targets malaria parasites by:

• Generating reactive oxygen species (free radicals) within the parasite
• Disrupting parasite membrane systems and metabolic processes
• Leading to rapid destruction of parasites in red blood cells

It is highly effective during the erythrocytic stage of the malaria lifecycle.

💡 Indications (Uses)

Artecan 60 mg is indicated for:

• Severe or complicated malaria
• Acute attacks of Plasmodium falciparum, including multidrug-resistant strains
• Emergency treatment when oral antimalarials are not feasible
• Pediatric malaria treatment (dose based on body weight)

📏 Dosage and Administration

✅ Adult and Pediatric Dosing (Based on Weight):

• Initial dose: 3.2 mg/kg IM on Day 1
• Maintenance dose: 1.6 mg/kg IM once daily for the next 4 days

📌 Example for Artecan 60 mg:

• A patient weighing ~18–20 kg would receive 60 mg per dose
• Dose may vary based on clinical assessment

Treatment is usually followed by oral ACT (artemisinin-based combination therapy) when the patient improves and can tolerate oral drugs.

💉 Route of Administration:

• Intramuscular injection only
• Administered in gluteal or deltoid muscle
• Should be given by qualified healthcare professionals

🚫 Contraindications

• Known hypersensitivity to artemether or other artemisinin derivatives
• Patients with severe liver disease
• Not for prophylactic (preventive) use

⚠️ Warnings and Precautions

• Use with caution in patients with a history of cardiac arrhythmias
• Monitor for QT interval prolongation
• Avoid combining with drugs that affect the heart rhythm
• Monitor neurological function during prolonged use

💢 Possible Side Effects

Common:

• Injection site pain or inflammation
• Fever
• Dizziness or headache
• Nausea or vomiting

Rare but Serious:

• Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling)
• Heart rhythm disturbances (QT prolongation)
• Neurotoxicity (extremely rare in humans)

Side effects are typically mild and manageable with proper medical supervision.

🤰 Use in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Pregnancy: Use only if clearly needed, particularly after the first trimester
• Breastfeeding: Caution advised, consult a healthcare provider

🔄 Drug Interactions

• Avoid concurrent use with other QT-prolonging drugs
• Enzyme-inducing drugs (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampicin) may reduce effectiveness
• Should not be mixed with other drugs in the same syringe

📦 Storage Instructions

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