Alternative to injectable artesunate (when it is not available) in the:
Treatment of severe malaria
Initial treatment of uncomplicated malaria,when persistent vomiting precludes oral therapy
Forms and strengths, route of administration
80 mg in 1 ml ampoule (80 mg/ml), oily solution for IM injection. NEVER ADMINISTER BY IV ROUTE.
When the dose required is less than 1 ml, use a 1 ml syringe graduated in 0.01 ml.
Dosage and duration
Child and adult:
3.2 mg/kg by IM injection on the first day followed by 1.6 mg/kg once daily
Weight
80 mg ampoule
Loading dose
Maintenance dose
3-4 kg
0.2 ml
0.1 ml
5-6 kg
0.3 ml
0.15 ml
7-9 kg
0.4 ml
0.2 ml
10-14 kg
0.6 ml
0.3 ml
15-19 kg
0.8 ml
0.4 ml
20-29 kg
1.2 ml
0.6 ml
30-39 kg
1.6 ml
0.8 ml
40-49 kg
2 ml
1 ml
50-59 kg
2.5 ml
1.2 ml
Treat parenterally for at least 24 hours (2 doses), then, if the patient can tolerate the oral route, change to a complete 3-day course of an artemisinin-based combination. If not, continue parenteral treatment once daily until the patient can change to oral route (without exceeding 7 days of parenteral treatment).
Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions
May cause:gastrointestinal disturbances, dizziness.