Artesunate: how to take it safely
Artesun
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Treats severe malaria, and is used together with other medicines for uncomplicated malaria.
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- For severe malaria it is given by injection by a health worker.
- Tablets, if prescribed, must be taken with the partner medicine.
When to take it
As directed by your doctor.
Take it with
With or without food.
What to avoid
- Using it alone for uncomplicated malaria. It must be combined with another antimalarial.
- Stopping early.
Possible side effects
Dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, tiredness.
Get help if
Confusion, fits, very dark urine, yellow skin, or repeated vomiting: get urgent help.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.