What are Artesunate and Amodiaquine Tablets?

Artesunate and Amodiaquine Tablets are tablets prescribed in the treatment of malaria.

They are a combination of two medicines, like artesunate and Amodiaquine, and are taken as one tablet.

This is more effective in combating malaria.

These tablets are typically prescribed where malaria is common and where the older drugs no longer work effectively.

They are taken orally and work best when taken as soon as one starts feeling symptoms.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends this treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria, which is caused by a parasite that produces severe disease.

Overview & Composition

There are two main ingredients in each tablet. These are artesunate and Amodiaquine.

The dose is either for a child or an adult.

An adult tablet has 100 mg of artesunate and 270 mg of amodiaquine hydrochloride (which corresponds to 200 mg of amodiaquine base).

Children’s tablets have less.

The two medicines are compatible with one another, and hence they are given in a fixed combination.

The tablets are packaged in blister packs and sometimes with information on how best to use them.

What is this medicine used for?

It is employed for the uncomplicated treatment of malaria infections.

It is used for It acts against Plasmodium falciparum, which is the most harmful kind of malaria parasite.

These tablets are not for severe malaria or preventing malaria when traveling.

They work by lowering the parasites in the blood.

This stops the infection and alleviates symptoms within a short period.

Indications

Doctors prescribe this medication to cure uncomplicated malaria cases.

It benefits children and adults.

It is advantageous in countries where the malaria parasites are resistant to the standard drugs.

Health programs in several countries utilize this drug as part of their plan to fight malaria.

Even when a laboratory test has failed to show the kind of parasite, the drug is still given if P. falciparum is believed to be the culprit.

How Does This Medication Work?

The two drugs in the tablet work differently. Artesunate is rapid in action.

It enters the blood and kills the malaria parasites rapidly. It shatters the internal machinery of the parasite.

Amodiaquine works for longer. It keeps the parasite from making a substance called hemozoin.

Without this, the parasite is killed.

When used concurrently, the drugs kill the parasites effectively and reduce the risk that the infection may recur.

They also help prevent drug resistance from arising.

Benefits of Artesunate and Amodiaquine Tablets

The tablets bring Numerous benefits.

They work to lower the parasites in the body fast and lower the risk of the deadly disease.

They are more effective than the old drugs, especially in areas where malaria is hard to treat.

Being two drugs in one tablet makes it easier to adhere to the full course.

This prevents resistance. The drug is also cheaper and widely available in areas where malaria is endemic.

It is also approved by health agencies and is employed effectively by millions of people every year.

Side Effects You Should Know

Most people do not experience severe problems using this drug.

Some people may feel nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, headaches, or dizzy or tired.

These side effects are reversible and will fade away by themselves.

The drug can possibly affect the liver or the blood in extreme cases.

Yellow eyes and skin, dark urine, or bleeding that is not normal are the indicators of serious side effects.

Always Take the prescribed dose and report any illness to your doctor.

Drug Interactions to Be Aware Of

This drug can interact with other medications.

If taken with other medicines that damage the liver, it can increase the risk of liver injury.

It can also interact with HIV, epilepsy, or tuberculosis drugs.

Even herbal supplements may change how this drug is broken down.

Notify your doctor or nurse if you are on any other medication prior to receiving this treatment.

This will avoid side effects and make the medicine work safely.

Dosage Guidelines

The regular treatment regimen is three days. Adults take one entire tablet daily.

Children take lesser doses depending on their weight.

Ensure that you finish the full course of the medication, even if you begin to feel better.

Doses skipped or treatment stopped early can lead to a return of the infection and harder to cure.

Consume this tablet with meals to avoid issues of stomach upset.

If you vomit 30 minutes after the intake, you may have to repeat the dose.

When Not to Use?

Avoid using this medication when you are allergic to artesunate or Amodiaquine.

It should also be avoided in patients with liver disease or blood abnormalities.

If you have had a previous heart rhythm disorder or have an inherited condition like G6PD deficiency, let your doctor know.

It should not be administered during pregnancy unless it is necessary.

It should not be used by people with severe malaria who need hospitalization or by people who want to avoid malaria.

Precautions & Warnings

If you are about to use this drug, tell your physician if you have any heart or liver problems.

If pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any other medical condition, make sure you advise on the risks.

Some people taking this drug may feel drowsy or dizzy, so driving and operating machinery are not recommended.

Children, the elderly, and those on other medications will require special care when using this drug.

Safety Advice

Use the medicine only as directed by your physician.

Store the tablets in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Keep them out of children’s reach. Never share your tablets with anyone.

Take the missed dose if you remember, but never take double the dose.

If more is taken by mistake, seek medical help right away.

Check expiration date before use.

This medication should be part of a proper plan of treatment, such as follow-up.

Special Dietary or Lifestyle Recommendations

During this medication, eat simple, healthy food and plenty of water.

Do not consume alcohol because it harms the liver, especially when on Amodiaquine.

Resting helps your body heal quicker.

Wear full protective clothing that covers the arms and legs, and use a good mosquito net.

This minimizes the risk of taking extra bites from mosquitoes.

Proper personal hygiene and a hygienic environment will also help avoid infection in the future.

What Else Can I Do to Help My Condition?

Besides medication, you can take some simple steps to help yourself recover.

Rest, have lots of water, and eat a balanced diet.

Employ mosquito nets, indoor sprays, and insect repellents against re-biting.

In case your fever or other symptoms come back after treatment, see a doctor right away.

Also, by keeping your home hygienic and stopping standing water, you can avoid mosquito breeding.

Comparison With Other Antimalarial Treatments

There are so many drugs that can be used to treat malaria.

Some of them are artemether-lumefantrine, chloroquine, or atovaquone-proguanil.

Artesunate and Amodiaquine are better than chloroquine in most parts of the world, especially where chloroquine is resistant.

Compared to some medications, this drug can only be administered once per day, which is less likely to be forgotten.

Though other drugs also work, the decision depends on what is available and best for your health.

The medicine is used by many national malaria programs as it is safe, effective, and simple to use.