Artesunate is an antimalarial medication that is used to treat severe cases of malaria. It is known for its fast-acting properties, making it an effective treatment option. According to the sources provided, artesunate starts working quickly to combat the malaria parasite and alleviate symptoms.
The first source, Drug Patent Watch, provides information on the pharmacokinetics of artesunate. It states that the drug has a rapid onset of action, with a peak concentration in the blood plasma occurring within 30 minutes to 3 hours after administration [1]. This suggests that artesunate begins to take effect shortly after it is taken.
The second source, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), provides detailed information on the use of artesunate for the treatment of severe malaria. It states that artesunate is highly effective and rapidly reduces the number of malaria parasites in the blood [2]. The CDC also mentions that the drug is recommended for immediate use in severe cases, as it can quickly improve symptoms and prevent complications.
The third source, a study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), discusses the clinical efficacy of artesunate in treating severe malaria. It explains that artesunate has a rapid parasite clearance time, meaning it can quickly eliminate the malaria parasite from the bloodstream [3]. The study also highlights that artesunate has been shown to be more effective than other antimalarial drugs in reducing mortality rates in severe malaria cases.
In conclusion, based on the provided sources, artesunate is known for its fast-acting properties in treating severe malaria. It starts working quickly, with a peak concentration in the blood plasma occurring within 30 minutes to 3 hours after administration. Artesunate rapidly reduces the number of malaria parasites in the blood, leading to improved symptoms and prevention of complications. Its rapid parasite clearance time makes it more effective than other antimalarial drugs in reducing mortality rates in severe malaria cases.
Sources:
[1] Drug Patent Watch. Artesunate Pharmacokinetics. Retrieved from: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/ARTESUNATE
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Artesunate. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/diagnosis_treatment/artesunate.html
[3] National Center for Biotechnology Information. Efficacy of intravenous artesunate for severe malaria in patients of all age groups. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5365722/