Antibiotics · Artemisinin antimalarial
Artesunate IV
Dose
2.4 mg/kg IV at 0, 12 and 24 h then daily; switch to oral ACT after ≥24 h and tolerating.
Use
Severe falciparum malaria — first-line, superior to quinine (SEAQUAMAT/AQUAMAT).
Monitoring
Parasitaemia daily, glucose, haemoglobin weekly × 4 (delayed haemolysis).
Side effects
- • Post-artesunate delayed haemolysis
- • Nausea
- • Transaminitis
Related in WardRound
Always confirm dose against your local formulary / BNF before prescribing.
