Treatment of uncomplicated malaria due to other Plasmodium species, when chloroquine cannot be used
Completion treatment following parenteral therapy for severe malaria
Forms and strengths
Co-formulated tablets of artesunate (AS)/amodiaquine (AQ), in blister packs, for a complete treatment for one individual
There are 4 different blister packs corresponding to 4 different categories of weight:
25 mg AS/67.5 mg AQ base tablet blister pack of 3 tablets
50 mg AS/135 mg AQ base tablet blister pack of 3 tablets
100 mg AS/270mg AQ base tablet blister pack of 3 tablets
100 mg AS/270mg AQ base tablet blister pack of 6 tablets
Dosage and duration
Tablets are to be taken once daily for 3 days.
Weight
Tablets
D1
D2
D3
4.5 to < 9 kg
25 mg AS/67.5mg AQ base
1tab
1tab
1 tab
9 to < 18 kg
50 mg AS/135mg AQ base
1tab
1tab
1 tab
18 to < 36 kg
100 mg AS/270 mg AQ base
blister pack of 3 tab
1 tab
1 tab
1 tab
≥ 36 kg
100 mg AS/270 mg AQ base
blister pack of 6 tab
2 tab
2 tab
2 tab
Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions
Do not administer in the event of previous severe adverse reaction to treatment with amodiaquine (e.g. hypersensitivity reaction, hepatitis, leucopenia, agranulocytosis).
Do not administer to patients taking efavirenz.
Avoid combination with drugs that prolong QT interval: amiodarone, other antimalarials, antipsychotics, fluconazole, fluoroquinolones, hydroxyzine, macrolides, ondansetron, etc.
May cause: gastrointestinal disturbances, pruritus, somnolence or insomnia, cough.
If the patient vomits within 30 minutes after administration, re-administer the full dose. If the patient vomits between 30 minutes and 1 hour after administration, re-administer half of the dose.
Pregnancy: no contra-indication
Breast-feeding: no contra-indication
Remarks
For patients unable to swallow the tablets (e.g. young children), the tablets can be dispersed by gentle agitation for approximately one minute in a small amount of water. After administration, give children some sugar or sugared water to cover amodiaquine’s bitter taste.
Storage
- Below 30 °C
Leave tablets in blisters until use. Once a tablet is removed from its blister, it must be administered immediately.