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Artemisinin Derivative Antimalarial

Artesunate

Brand names: Artesun (IV), Falcimon (oral — not licensed UK)

Artesunate is a water-soluble artemisinin derivative and is the treatment of choice for severe malaria, given parenterally.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

Its active metabolite generates reactive species that damage parasite proteins and membranes, producing rapid killing of blood-stage Plasmodium parasites.

Prescribing in practice

  • Delayed post-treatment haemolytic anaemia can occur, so haemoglobin should be monitored for several weeks after treatment.
  • It is the preferred agent for severe malaria; oral artemisinin-based combination therapy should follow once the patient can tolerate it.
  • Treatment should be initiated promptly in suspected severe malaria without waiting for full confirmation.

Monitoring

Monitor parasitaemia, clinical recovery and haemoglobin during and for several weeks after treatment to detect delayed haemolysis.

Counselling the patient

  • Further blood tests are needed in the weeks after treatment to check for anaemia.
  • Report tiredness, breathlessness or dark urine after treatment.
  • You will usually switch to tablets to complete your malaria treatment.

Evidence & guidelines

Intravenous artesunate is recommended over quinine for severe malaria, supported by the SEAQUAMAT and AQUAMAT trials.

Reference: PHE/UKHSA Malaria Treatment Guidelines (2022); AQUAMAT trial (Lancet 2010); WHO Guidelines for Treatment of Malaria (3rd ed.); Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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