What is α-β Arteether Injection?

α-β Arteether Injection is a strong medicine for malaria that is in the artemisinin drug class. It comes from the Artemisia annua (sweet wormwood) plant and is a semi-synthetic form of artemisinin.

The recipe is made up of two stereoisomers, alpha and beta arteether, mixed together in a set amount. It is usually an oil-based solution that is injected into the muscle.

This medicine acts against the schizont stage of the malaria parasite, like Plasmodium falciparum, the most dangerous malaria parasite.

It works especially well in places where standard antimalarial drugs like chloroquine and quinine are not working.

Uses of α-β Arteether Injection

This medicine treats serious and acute falciparum malaria when other first-line medicines like artesunate are unavailable.

Used in hospital settings where oral medications can’t be given because of vomiting, unconsciousness, or the severity of the sickness.

It is often used in healthcare areas with few resources or far away because it is easy to store and manage.

Indications

Severe or complicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, particularly in resistant cases.

Indicated in:

Cerebral malaria (neurological symptoms)

Hyperparasitemia

Severe anemia

Acute kidney injury or liver dysfunction due to malaria

Respiratory distress syndrome

Dosage Guidelines

Adults and Children (above 5 years):

150 mg (3 ml) intramuscularly once daily for three consecutive days.

Children below 5 years:

Dosage is adjusted based on body weight (consult pediatrician).

No dose adjustment is required for renal impairment, but caution is advised in hepatic dysfunction.

Direction for Use

This medicine should only be given by a trained medical worker.

Deeply injected into the muscle in the gluteal area (switch between left and right sides).

A clean syringe and needle should be used to draw the shot, and it should be given right away after the ampoule is opened.

How to Use

Check that the ampoule does not have any cracks or become discoloured. Give the ampoule a light shake to even out the contents in the ampoule.

Alcohol swabs should be used to clean the injection site. To reduce the amount of local irritation, inject deeply into the gluteal muscle.

Remain vigilant for any hypersensitivity reactions that may occur immediately in the patient.

When Not to Use

Avoid or use with caution in:

Allergy to artemisinin or its derivatives. Pregnant women in first trimester (risk to fetal neurodevelopment).

Patients with pre-existing neurological disorders. Individuals with severe hepatic dysfunction.

Not suitable for preventive treatment (chemoprophylaxis).

Benefits

Highly effective against strains of P. falciparum that are resistant to many drugs. Provides a rapid onset of action, generally within hours

Convenient once-daily intramuscular dose for only three days. Useful in situations where intravenous access is problematic or unavailable. Reduced hospitalization time in many cases

How Does It Work?

α-β Arteether works by attacking the Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite when it is in its asexual blood stage. This stage is what causes the malaria symptoms.

When α-β Arteether is introduced into the body, it quickly changes into dihydroartemisinin, which is the active form.

The high amount of iron in the parasite’s digestive vacuole reacts with this molecule to make free radicals and reactive oxygen species.

The parasite quickly dies because these free radicals hurt its membranes, proteins, and other cell parts in an oxidative way.

The medicine has a strong schizontocidal effect, which means it kills the schizonts (advanced forms) of the parasite inside red blood cells.

Because it is lipophilic and made from oils, it releases slowly and steadily into the bloodstream. This means that a once-daily dose for three days will keep medicinal levels high for a long time.

Because of this process, α-β Arteether quickly relieves symptoms and greatly lowers the number of parasites in the body.

This makes it very beneficial for treating malaria patients that haven’t responded to previous therapies.

Can Take With Other Medicines

Yes, under supervision:

Usually preceded by oral artemisinin-based combination treatment (ACT) to stop recrudescence.

It can be used with:

Medications to Avoid or Use with Caution

Other artemisinin derivatives (e.g., artesunate) – increase toxicity without the added benefit

Drugs that prolong QT interval (e.g., haloperidol, fluoroquinolones, macrolides)

CYP450 inducers or inhibitors (e.g., phenytoin, rifampicin) – may affect drug metabolism

Neurotoxic medications (e.g., isoniazid) – can worsen neurological side effects

Concerns

Concerns have been raised regarding neurotoxicity in animal models, although this has not been conclusively demonstrated in people at therapeutic levels.

Incomplete treatment without follow-up ACT may result in the recurrence of the parasite.

Injection site pain, inflammation, or abscess is an uncommon occurrence.

There is a lack of information regarding the long-term safety of pregnant women and children.

Precautions & Warnings

It shouldn’t be the first drug used when artesunate is available.

Keep an eye on the kidney and liver tests while on treatment.

Watch for signs of neurotoxicity, hypersensitivity, and confusion.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, older people, and people who have heart rhythm problems should be very careful before getting this shot.

What Else Can I Do to Help My Condition?

Finish the full treatment plan and ACT follow-up.

To avoid getting infected again, use mosquito nets, bug sprays, and bug repellents.

As you heal, make sure you drink enough water and eat enough.

Get regular malaria tests after treatment to make sure the parasites are gone.

While you’re getting better, don’t go to places where the disease is popular.

Comparison with Other Treatments

Used for decades, especially in severe malaria. Requires slow IV infusion every 8 hours.

Side effects include hypoglycemia, tinnitus, and cardiac arrhythmias. It is not convenient for field settings or remote clinics.

WHO-recommended first-line drug for severe malaria. Fastest parasite clearance.

Given via IV or IM route, but requires multiple doses over 24 hours.

Superior to arteether in efficacy and safety in most studies.

Special Dietary & Lifestyle Recommendations

Maintaining supportive food and lifestyle behaviours during α-β Arteether treatment can boost recovery and therapy effectiveness.

To enhance the immune system and speed healing, patients should consume a balanced, nutrient-rich diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Malaria and its treatment can produce fever and sweat, so staying hydrated is vital. While you’re sick, your appetite may be low, so it’s best to stick to bland foods like soup, cereal, and boiled veggies.

Because the liver is responsible for metabolizing the medication, it is important to refrain from smoking and drinking while undergoing treatment.

Patients should rest and avoid strenuous activity until they feel better, as sleep is crucial to healing.

Wearing long-sleeved shirts, insecticide-treated mosquito nets, and mosquito repellents can help avoid reinfection in areas prone to malaria.

These dietary and lifestyle adjustments, when combined with sufficient medication, hasten healing and enhance treatment results.

What Not to Do

If your symptoms improve, do not discontinue medication suddenly. Keep this injection in its syringe and not with any other drugs.

Avoid injecting this medication into yourself. Seek a doctor’s advice before using natural therapies or over-the-counter antimalarials.

In order to avoid getting malaria, it shouldn’t be used.

Storage instructions

Keep at room temperature, which is 20–25°C. Keep out of direct sunlight, dampness, and cold.

Always store ampoules in their original container. If the solution is murky or has particles, throw it out.

Make sure dogs and kids can’t get to it.