✅ “Norsunate 50 mg Tablets (Artesunate) – Effective Treatment for Uncomplicated Malaria”

🔬 What is Norsunate 50 mg?

Norsunate 50 mg is an oral tablet that contains Artesunate, a fast-acting antimalarial medication.

It is often used in combination with other antimalarial medications as part of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) to prevent relapse and resistance.

⚙️ Mechanism of Action

Artesunate is a water-soluble derivative of artemisinin that acts by:

• Producing reactive oxygen species (free radicals) within malaria parasites
• Damaging key proteins and membranes of the parasites
• Rapidly reducing parasitemia (number of parasites in the blood)

💡 Indications (Uses)

Norsunate 50 mg is indicated for:

• Effective against multi-drug resistant malaria strains
• Often part of a 3-day ACT regimen

It is not used for preventing malaria (prophylaxis) or treating severe malaria (injectables are preferred in those cases).

📏 Dosage and Administration

✅ General Dosage (Adults and Children)

• Typically administered in combination with other antimalarials like mefloquine, lumefantrine, or amodiaquine
• A common dosing plan includes 4 mg/kg/day of Artesunate for 3 consecutive days
• For adults, that may translate to 2 tablets (50 mg each) twice daily for 3 days

Exact dosing is based on body weight and combination therapy protocols as per national or WHO guidelines.

🧑‍⚕️ Administration Instructions

• Tablets are swallowed whole with water
• Should be taken with food to enhance absorption
• Must complete the full course to avoid relapse or resistance

🚫 Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to Artesunate or other artemisinin derivatives
• Not recommended for use as monotherapy (should be part of ACT)

⚠️ Precautions and Warnings

• Should not be used alone for treatment; always combine with a partner drug
• Monitor liver enzymes and blood counts during therapy if used for extended periods

💢 Possible Side Effects

Common:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Mild abdominal discomfort

Rare:

• Allergic skin reactions (rash, itching)
• Temporary changes in liver enzyme levels
• Low white blood cell count (leukopenia)

Severe (Rare):

• Hemolytic anemia
• Hypersensitivity reactions

Side effects are typically mild and short-lived. Seek medical attention for any signs of serious reaction.

🔄 Drug Interactions

• Artesunate has minimal drug interactions
• Use caution with:
  • Rifampicin, phenytoin, or carbamazepine (may reduce Artesunate levels)
  • Other antimalarials to avoid additive side effects

📦 Storage Instructions

• Store at room temperature below 25°C (77°F)
• Keep in a dry place, away from moisture and sunlight
• Keep out of reach of children