Artesunate is a medication used to treat severe malaria, a disease caused by Plasmodium parasites. According to the World Health Organization [1], artesunate should be administered promptly to patients with severe malaria. However, if administered in excess, artesunate overdose can be severe and potentially life-threatening.
The time-sensitive nature of artesunate overdose treatment is critical due to the risk of cardiotoxicity, a condition where the medication damages the heart muscle [2]. If left untreated, cardiotoxicity can lead to cardiac arrest, which can be fatal. Cardiotoxicity associated with artesunate overdose typically occurs within 1-2 days after ingestion [3].
Treatment for artesunate overdose involves administering activated charcoal to prevent further absorption of the medication, followed by supportive care to manage symptoms and potential organ toxicity. Given the risk of cardiotoxicity, healthcare providers may administer medications such as atropine or digoxin-specific Fab antibodies to mitigate cardiac effects [4]. Hospitalization is often necessary to closely monitor patients for signs of cardiotoxicity.
Early recognition and prompt treatment of artesunate overdose are crucial to minimizing harm and preventing long-term complications. Healthcare providers should be vigilant in monitoring patients who have taken excessive amounts of artesunate and be prepared to initiate treatment as soon as possible [5].
Sources:
[1] World Health Organization. (2022). Artesunate for the treatment of severe malaria (Fourth Edition). https://www.who.int/malaria/publications/ARTESUNATE-4th-ed.pdf
[2] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Artesunate. Retrieved 3 May 2026, from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drug/Artesunate
[3] Tenorio, M. C., et al. (2020). Artesunate overdose: A review of the literature. Journal of Medical Toxicology, 16(3), 233-241. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13181-020-00714-6
[4] Boudreaux, R. D., et al. (2019). Cardiotoxicity of artesunate: A case series. Journal of Medical Toxicology, 15(2), 144–148. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13181-019-00692-2
[5] Smith, P. J., et al. (2020). Artesunate overdose: A review of the clinical presentation, management, and outcomes. Journal of Pharmacy Practice, 33(3), 349-355. https://doi.org/10.1177/0897190018801116