ARTESUNATE rectal

Therapeutic action

• Antimalarial

Indications

• Pre-referral treatment of suspected or confirmed severe malaria, in children less than 6 years, before transfer to a facility where parenteral antimalarial treatment can be administered

Forms and strengths, route of administration

• 100 mg rectal capsule

Dosage and duration

• 10 mg/kg as a single dose before transferring the patient
• Child 2 months to < 3 years (≤ 10 kg): 1 rectal capsule single dose (100 mg)
• Child 3 to < 6 years (≤ 20 kg): 2 rectal capsules single dose (200 mg)

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

• May cause: gastrointestinal disturbances, headache.
• Buttocks should be held together for at least 1 minute to ensure retention. If capsules are expelled from the rectum within 30 minutes of insertion, re-administer the treatment.

Remarks

• Up to 2 capsules can be administered simultaneously.

Storage

Avoid temperature excursions above 30 °C. Do not refrigerate. Do not freeze.