Artemether

Uses of Artemether

Artemether is commonly used to treat Malaria

How Artemether Works

Artemether is an antimalarial agent which acts by inhibiting calcium adenosine triphosphate thus preventing nucleic acid and protein synthesis of the parasite. This helps in eliminating the parasite load in the bloodstream.

Side Effects of Artemether

Dizziness, Ear ringing, Nausea, Vomiting, Stomach pain, Slow pulse, Cough, Fever, Sleep disorder, Headache

Warnings

Kidney Safe If Prescribed

No adequate data or research has been conducted on the effect of Artemether on the kidney function. It is thought to be safe in healthy as well as in mild to moderate renal impairment with no dose adjustment needed. Caution should be taken in people with severe renal impairment.

Alcohol Safe

There is no known interaction between Artemether and alcohol recorded. It is thought to be safe for both of them to be consumed but caution should be taken if dizziness or other side effects of Artemether start to develop.

Pregnancy Safe If Prescribed

Artemether has been shown in human meta-analysis data to be safe and does not induce any teratogenic effects or adverse reaction to pregnant women. Precaution, however, should be taken if the woman is sensitive or allergic to Artemether.

Driving Not advisable

Do not drive unless you are feeling well. Artemether may cause side effects such as dizziness, headaches, fatigueness, all of which may affect your ability to concentrate and drive.

Liver Use With Care

No specific study has been conducted on people with hepatic impairment taking Artemether. Caution should be taken in those with severe hepatic impairment due to potential increase in liver enzymes level.

Lactation Limited Data

Animal studies suggest some traces of Artemether in the breastmilk but no adequate human data is available. The decision to stop breastfeeding or the treatment should be mutually decided by specialist and the patient if the benefit of treatment outweight its risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Written by , MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)

Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).