Artesunate is primarily administered as an injectable medication for the treatment of severe malaria. It is not commonly available in oral or other forms. The drug is typically administered intravenously or intramuscularly, depending on the severity of the malaria infection and the patient's condition [2][3].
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the intravenous route is the preferred method for administering artesunate in severe malaria cases. The initial dose is given as a slow intravenous infusion over 2-3 minutes, followed by a second dose after 12 hours, and subsequent doses every 24 hours until the patient can tolerate oral medication or is able to switch to an alternative treatment [2].
Intramuscular administration is an alternative method when intravenous access is not available. In such cases, artesunate is injected into the muscle of the thigh or buttock. The initial dose is followed by a second dose after 12 hours, and subsequent doses every 24 hours until the patient can tolerate oral medication or an alternative treatment is available [2].
It is important to note that artesunate should only be administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional, as it requires careful monitoring of the patient's condition and potential side effects. The drug is not intended for self-administration or home use [3].
In summary, artesunate is primarily administered as an injectable medication for the treatment of severe malaria. It is given either intravenously or intramuscularly, depending on the availability of intravenous access. The specific dosage and administration schedule should be determined by a healthcare professional based on the patient's condition and the severity of the malaria infection [2][3].
Sources:
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Artesunate. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/diagnosis_treatment/artesunate.html
[3] Medicines for Malaria Venture. (n.d.). Injectable Artesunate Tool Kit. Retrieved from https://www.mmv.org/sites/default/files/uploads/docs/access/Injectable_Artesunate_Tool_Kit/InjectableArtesunate_posterEN.pdf