ARTESUNATE/AMODIAQUINE = AS/AQ oral

Therapeutic action

– Antimalarial

Indications

– Treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria
– Completion treatment following parenteral therapy for severe falciparum malaria

Forms and strengths

– Co-formulated tablets of artesunate (AS)/amodiaquine (AQ), in blister packs, for a complete treatment for one individual

– There are 4 different blister packs corresponding to 4 different categories of weight:
• 25 mg AS/67.5 mg AQ base tablet, blister pack of 3 tablets
• 50 mg AS/135 mg AQ base tablet, blister pack of 3 tablets
• 100 mg AS/270 mg AQ base tablet, blister pack of 3 tablets
• 100 mg AS/270 mg AQ base tablet, blister pack of 6 tablets

Dosage and duration

– Tablets are to be taken once daily for 3 days.

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

– Do not administer in the event of previous severe adverse reaction to treatment with amodiaquine (e.g. hypersensitivity reaction, hepatitis, leucopenia, agranulocytosis).
– Do not administer to patients taking efavirenz.
– May cause: gastrointestinal disturbances, headache, dizziness, pruritus.
– If the patient vomits within 30 minutes after administration, re-administer the full dose.
– Pregnancy: no contra-indication
– Breast-feeding: no contra-indication

Remarks

–  Storage: below 25 °C -  - 
Leave tablets in blisters until use. Once a tablet is removed from its blister, it must be administered immediately.