On this page
Therapeutic action
- Antimalarial
Indications
- 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.
- Pregnancy: no contra-indication
- Breast-feeding: no contra-indication
Storage
– Below 25 °C