About Artequine capsule 40mg / 320mg
Antimalarial capsule combining dihydroartemisinin and piperaquine phosphate.
Artequine Capsule Uses
- Treats acute uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in adults and children
- Used as first line therapy for malaria in pregnancy after the first trimester
- Prescribed for malaria cases confirmed by blood smear or rapid diagnostic test
- Given to travelers and residents in malaria endemic regions of Pakistan
Artequine Capsule Benefits
- Clears malaria parasites from the blood within 3 days in most patients
- Combines a fast acting artemisinin derivative with a long acting partner drug
- Reduces the chance of parasite resistance compared to single drug therapy
- Available as a short 3 day course, which helps patients complete treatment
Malaria remains a public health concern in parts of Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially during the monsoon season when mosquito breeding increases. Doctors in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi commonly prescribe Artequine for confirmed falciparum malaria cases.
The dihydroartemisinin component works quickly to reduce the parasite count within the first day of treatment. Piperaquine phosphate stays active in the body much longer, clearing any remaining parasites and lowering the risk of relapse.
Patients should always confirm malaria through a blood test or rapid diagnostic test before starting Artequine. Self medication without a confirmed diagnosis can mask symptoms, delay proper treatment, and allow the infection to worsen.
Drug Class
- Antimalarial
- Artemisinin based combination therapy (ACT)
Artequine Capsule Uses in Urdu
- ملیریا کے مرض کا علاج کرتی ہے
- حاملہ خواتین میں ملیریا کے لیے پہلی ترجیح کی دوا ہے
- خون میں ملیریا کے جراثیم کو تیزی سے ختم کرتی ہے
- تین دن کے مختصر کورس میں مکمل کی جاتی ہے
Artequine capsule 40mg / 320mg formula
- Dihydroartemisinin
- Piperaquine Phosphate
How to use Artequine capsule 40mg / 320mg?
- Take Artequine capsules on an empty stomach as directed by the doctor.
- Complete the full 3 day course even if symptoms improve after the first dose.
- Swallow the capsule with a full glass of water.
- Take the medicine at the same time each day for the full treatment course.
- Avoid fatty meals around dosing time since they can change drug absorption.
Drug Interactions
- QT Prolonging Drugs: Combining Artequine with other drugs that affect heart rhythm, such as certain antibiotics or antipsychotics, raises the risk of abnormal heart rhythm.
- Other Antimalarials: Taking Artequine with other antimalarial drugs like mefloquine can increase side effects and should be avoided.
- Grapefruit Juice: Grapefruit juice can raise piperaquine levels in the blood and should be avoided during treatment.
- CYP3A4 Inducers: Drugs like rifampicin can lower the effectiveness of piperaquine by speeding up its breakdown.
Risks and warnings
- Pregnancy Caution: Avoid Artequine during the first trimester unless no safer alternative is available.
- Heart Rhythm Risk: Piperaquine can affect heart rhythm, so caution is needed in patients with existing heart conditions.
- Liver Or Kidney Disease: Use with caution in patients with significant liver or kidney impairment.
- Drug Resistance: Incomplete or repeated courses can lead to resistant malaria parasites.
- Not For Prevention: Artequine treats active malaria infection and is not intended for malaria prophylaxis.
Side Effects
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness or fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Irregular heartbeat in rare cases
Storage Conditions
Store Artequine capsules at room temperature, between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius. Keep the pack away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
