Artecan 120 mg Injection

Detailed Description — Artecan 120 mg Injection (Artesunate)

Artecan 120 mg Injection is an injectable antimalarial medication that contains artesunate, a fast-acting derivative of artemisinin. It is primarily indicated for the treatment of severe malaria, especially infections caused by Plasmodium falciparum, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly and effectively.

Severe malaria may present with complications such as cerebral malaria, severe anemia, kidney failure, jaundice, respiratory distress, or shock. In such cases, oral antimalarial medicines may not be effective or feasible. Artecan 120 mg Injection provides a rapid and reliable method to reduce parasite load in critically ill patients and is widely used in hospital and emergency settings.

The 120 mg strength is particularly useful for adult patients or higher body-weight dosing, allowing effective treatment with fewer vials while maintaining accuracy in dosing.

Composition

Each vial of Artecan Injection contains:

• Artesunate 120 mg

The injection is supplied as a powder for reconstitution and must be prepared with the recommended diluent immediately before administration by a trained healthcare professional.

How Artecan (Artesunate) Works

Artesunate works by:

• Generating reactive free radicals inside malaria parasites

• Damaging essential parasite proteins and membranes

• Rapidly killing parasites during their blood stages

This leads to a quick and dramatic reduction in parasite count, which is crucial in preventing complications and reducing mortality in severe malaria.

Uses of Artecan 120 mg Injection

Artecan 120 mg Injection is used for:

• Severe falciparum malaria

• Cerebral malaria

• Malaria with organ complications (renal failure, anemia, jaundice)

• Malaria in patients unable to take oral medication

• Drug-resistant malaria, as per treatment guidelines

It is considered a first-line treatment for severe malaria by international health authorities.

Dosage & Administration

• Administered only in hospital settings

• Given via intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) route

• Dose is calculated based on body weight

• Common schedule: at 0 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, then once daily

Once the patient improves and can tolerate oral medicines, treatment must be completed with a full course of oral artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT).

Benefits of Artecan 120 mg Injection

• Rapid action against malaria parasites

• Life-saving in severe and complicated malaria

• Effective against resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains

• Suitable for critically ill adults

• Backed by strong clinical evidence

Possible Side Effects

Artecan is generally well tolerated, especially considering its use in critical illness.

Common side effects:

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Nausea or vomiting

• Injection site pain or redness

Less common or rare side effects:

• Allergic reactions

• Temporary elevation of liver enzymes

• Delayed hemolytic anemia (rare, monitored after treatment)

Patients receiving Artecan are closely monitored during and after therapy.

Precautions & Warnings

• For medical use only

• Must be administered by trained healthcare professionals

• Monitor blood counts and liver function when clinically indicated

• Hypersensitivity to artemisinin derivatives should be ruled out

• Always complete treatment with oral antimalarial drugs

Self-medication is strictly discouraged.

Use in Pregnancy & Children

• Pregnancy: Artesunate is recommended for severe malaria in all trimesters due to its life-saving benefit

• Children: Safe and effective when dosed accurately according to body weight

The benefits far outweigh potential risks in severe malaria.

Drug Interactions

Artecan has minimal significant drug interactions. However, clinicians should be informed if the patient is receiving:

• Other antimalarial drugs

• Medications affecting liver function

• Intensive care medicines

Storage Instructions

• Store below 25°C

• Protect from light

• Do not freeze

• Use reconstituted solution immediately

• Keep out of reach of children

External Reference

For authoritative guidance on the use of artesunate in severe malaria, visit:
🔗 https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-UCN-GMP-2022.01

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Artecan 120 mg Injection used for?
It is used to treat severe and life-threatening malaria, especially caused by Plasmodium falciparum.

2. What is the difference between Artecan 60 mg and 120 mg?
The difference is the strength. The 120 mg vial is often used for adults or higher body-weight dosing.

3. How fast does Artecan start working?
It begins reducing malaria parasites within a few hours of administration.

4. Can Artecan be used for mild malaria?
No. It is reserved for severe cases or when oral therapy is not possible.

5. Is follow-up treatment required after Artecan Injection?
Yes. A full course of oral ACT is essential to completely clear the infection.

6. Is Artecan safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Artesunate is the recommended treatment for severe malaria in pregnancy.

7. Can children receive Artecan 120 mg Injection?
Yes, but dosing is adjusted based on body weight and given under strict medical supervision.