Antimalarial
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
Alpha-Beta Arteether is an antimalarial injection made from a combination of two forms (alpha and beta) of arteether, a powerful drug derived from the artemisinin plant that kills the malaria parasite in your blood quickly.
Inhibits Plasmodium parasites by generating reactive oxygen species through interaction with intraparasitic heme, disrupting parasite metabolic pathways and causing cell death; particularly effective against erythrocytic and exoerythrocytic stages of severe malaria.
Severe malaria, complicated malaria (when the person is too sick to swallow tablets or is vomiting), acute malaria attacks
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Since this injection is given by a healthcare worker on a daily schedule, if a dose is missed, get the injection as soon as possible and continue the remaining doses. Do not skip a day: completing all 3 days of treatment is very important to clear the malaria parasite completely.
Always get this injection from a hospital, clinic, or registered pharmacy; never get it from roadside vendors or unqualified persons. Make sure you complete all 3 days of injections even if you start feeling better after the first dose, otherwise the malaria can come back stronger. After the injection course, your doctor should prescribe oral antimalarial tablets to finish the treatment; do not skip this step.
Avoid taking with mefloquine (another antimalarial) as it can increase the risk of heart rhythm problems. Avoid alcohol during treatment as it can worsen dizziness and liver strain. Let your doctor know if you are taking any heart medications or drugs that affect your heartbeat.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take α-β with your other drugs?
Alpha-Beta Arteether is generally not recommended during the first three months of pregnancy; consult your doctor before use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, as it should only be used if the malaria is life-threatening and no safer option is available.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Nigerian weather can be very hot, so do not leave it in a car or near a window. Keep at room temperature (below 30°C) or as directed on the pack. Keep out of the reach of children.
For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under, especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.