Derm Artemether Injection 80 mg/1 mL Amp

Who is this for?

Artemether is an antimalarial drug that works by killing the malaria parasite in your blood, stopping the infection from spreading in your body.

Inhibits malaria parasite protein synthesis and causes oxidative damage by generating reactive oxygen species following bioactivation of the artemisinin nucleus, leading to parasite death. Acts rapidly against both sexual and asexual forms of Plasmodium species, including multidrug-resistant strains.

Is Artemether safe to take with another drug?

Artemether injection is given by a healthcare professional into the muscle (usually the thigh). For adults, the usual starting dose is 3.2 mg per kg body weight on the first day, then 1.6 mg per kg body weight once daily for at least 3 more days. Do not inject this yourself at home — always let a trained health worker administer it. Once you can swallow, your doctor will switch you to oral antimalarial tablets to complete treatment.

Since this injection is given by a health worker on a schedule, missed doses are unlikely. However, if a dose is delayed, get to the hospital or clinic as soon as possible to continue treatment. Do not skip doses as this can make the malaria worse.

• Pain or swelling at the injection site
• headache
• dizziness
• loss of appetite
• general body weakness

Avoid taking artemether with drugs that affect your heartbeat such as some antibiotics like erythromycin or heart medications. Grapefruit juice can increase the drug level in your body. Avoid alcohol during treatment as it can worsen side effects like dizziness and put extra stress on your liver.

Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children. In hot Nigerian weather, avoid storing near windows or in cars where temperatures can get very high.