Artesunate+mefloquine
About
Artesunate+mefloquine belongs to a group of anti-malarial drugs used to treat multidrug-resistant falciparum malaria. Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by the female anopheles mosquito. Malaria is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, which carry the Plasmodium parasite. The symptoms usually develop within 10days to 4weeks after the infection.
Artesunate+mefloquine is a combination of two drugs, namely: Artesunate and Mefloquine. Artesunate generates free radicals, inhibiting nucleic acid and protein synthesis of the Plasmodium parasites during erythrocytic stages. Mefloquine binds to haem and forms a complex which is toxic to the malarial parasite. Together, Artesunate+mefloquine helps in treating malaria.
You are advised to take Artesunate+mefloquine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, abdominal pain, headache, diarrhoea, and fatigue. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Consult your doctor before taking Artesunate+mefloquine if you are pregnant. Avoid breastfeeding while taking Artesunate+mefloquine. Artesunate+mefloquine may cause dizziness and vertigo, so drive only if you are alert. Artesunate+mefloquine can be given to children aged 7 years and above if prescribed by the doctor. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Artesunate+mefloquine as it could lead to increased dizziness. Keep your doctor informed about the medicines you take and your health condition to rule out any side effects/interactions.
Uses of Artesunate+mefloquine
Medicinal Benefits
Artesunate+mefloquine is a combination of two drugs, namely: Artesunate and Mefloquine. Artesunate+mefloquine belongs to a group of medicines called anti-malarial drugs used to treat multidrug-resistant falciparum malaria. Artesunate generates free radicals, which inhibit nucleic acid and protein synthesis of the Plasmodium parasites during erythrocytic stages. Mefloquine binds to haem and forms a complex which is toxic to the malarial parasite. Together, Artesunate+mefloquine helps in treating malaria.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Artesunate+mefloquine
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Palpitation
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Artesunate+mefloquine if you are allergic to any of its contents; if you have depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe anxiety. Inform your doctor if you have epilepsy, eye disorders, heart, kidney, or liver problems. Consult your doctor before taking Artesunate+mefloquine if you are pregnant. Avoid breastfeeding while taking Artesunate+mefloquine. Artesunate+mefloquine may cause dizziness and vertigo, so drive only if you are alert. Artesunate+mefloquine can be given to children aged 7 years and above if prescribed by the doctor. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Artesunate+mefloquine as it could lead to increased dizziness.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Artesunate+mefloquine may interact with antihistamine (hydroxyzine), antibiotic (ciprofloxacin), corticosteroid (dexamethasone), antipsychotics (quetiapine), anti-convulsant (pregabalin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, valproic acid, phenytoin).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe anxiety.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Artesunate+mefloquine as it may lead to increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
cautionConsult your doctor before taking Artesunate+mefloquine if you are pregnant; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Artesunate+mefloquine should not be used during the first trimester.
Breast Feeding
unsafeArtesunate+mefloquine passes into breastmilk. Avoid breastfeeding while taking Artesunate+mefloquine.
Driving
cautionArtesunate+mefloquine may cause dizziness and vertigo. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionArtesunate+mefloquine should be used with caution in patients with liver problems. Consult your doctor before taking Artesunate+mefloquine if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionConsult your doctor before taking Artesunate+mefloquine if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
cautionArtesunate+mefloquine can be given to children aged 7 years and above if prescribed.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat nutritious food containing proteins and vitamins.
- Consume light and digestible foods such as soups, gruel, khichadi, and rice.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Lukewarm water is best as it helps in soothing.
- Consume fruits rich in vitamin A and C, such as lemon, grapes, beetroot, and carrot.
- Avoid high-fiber foods, fatty foods, junk foods, and caffeine.
- Spray insecticides at home and outside to prevent mosquito breeding.
- Cover your skin in areas that are abundant with mosquitoes. Use insect-repellent creams/sprays.
- Avoid pickles, alcohol, coffee, tea, carbonated beverages, and spicy food.
Special Advise
- Inform your doctor about any history of psychiatric illness, including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or severe anxiety neurosis as mefloquine may precipitate or exacerbate these disorders.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Malaria: Malaria is a mosquito-borne blood disease caused by the female anopheles mosquito. Malaria is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, which carry the Plasmodium parasite. When the infected mosquito bites a person, the parasite is released into the bloodstream. The parasite matures in the liver and infects the red blood cells. Then, it multiplies in the red blood cells leading to malarial infection. Symptoms of malaria include fever, headache, fatigue, muscle pain, back pain, chills, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and dry cough. The symptoms usually develop within 10 days to 4 weeks after the infection.
FAQs
Artesunate+mefloquine contains Artesunate and Mefloquine. Artesunate generates free radicals, inhibiting nucleic acid and protein synthesis of the Plasmodium parasites during erythrocytic stages. Mefloquine binds to haem and forms a complex which is toxic to the malarial parasite. Together, Artesunate+mefloquine helps in treating malaria.
Palpitation could be a side-effect of Artesunate+mefloquine. Palpitations are the sensation that the heart is pounding or racing. A minor fluctuation should not be a worry. Consult your doctor if you experience palpitations persistently.
Artesunate+mefloquine might lower the plasma levels of anticonvulsant drugs such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, valproic acid, and phenytoin. Therefore, Artesunate+mefloquine should not be taken along with anticonvulsant drugs. If no choice is available, dose adjustment of anti-epileptic drugs might be necessary. Please consult a doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
If vomiting occurs within 30 minutes of taking Artesunate+mefloquine, take another dose of Artesunate+mefloquine. If vomiting occurs 30 minutes after taking Artesunate+mefloquine, half of the recommended dose should be taken. However, if it is approximately time for your next dose, take Artesunate+mefloquine in the recommended time.
Do not discontinue Artesunate+mefloquine on your own as it might cause a relapse of the infection. To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Artesunate+mefloquine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulties while taking Artesunate+mefloquine.
Prolongation of QT interval might occur when Artesunate+mefloquine is taken along with cardiac drugs such as quinidine, amiodarone, disopyramide, and sotalol. Therefore, please consult a doctor before taking Artesunate+mefloquine with cardiac drugs.
