Artimet Injection 40mg

About Artimet Injection 40mg

Uses

• Treatment of severe and complicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria
• Malaria treatment in children and lower body weight patients
• Used in hospital settings where oral treatment is not possible

Benefits

• Lower strength suited to weight based dosing in children and smaller adults
• Clears malaria parasites quickly in severe infection
• Effective alternative when oral antimalarials cannot be tolerated
• Widely stocked in hospitals across malaria affected areas of Pakistan

What Experts Say

Artemether injection works by breaking down inside the malaria parasite and releasing reactive molecules that damage its internal structures. The 40mg strength is commonly used for children and adults with lower body weight, since dosing is calculated per kilogram.

Doctors treating severe malaria give this injection into the muscle for at least twenty four hours before considering a switch to oral medicine, and only once the patient is able to swallow and keep tablets down. A full course of follow up oral treatment is essential to fully clear the infection.

Because malaria remains a public health concern in several parts of Pakistan, especially during and after the monsoon season, doctors emphasize early diagnosis through a blood test before starting this injection. Delaying treatment for severe malaria significantly increases the risk of complications, so hospitals keep this injection stocked for rapid use in confirmed severe cases.

Drug Class

Artimet belongs to the artemisinin derivative class of antimalarial medicines, used specifically for severe and complicated malaria requiring injectable treatment.

Artimet Injection 40mg formula

• Artemether

Available forms

• Injection

How to use Artimet Injection 40mg?

• Administered only by a healthcare professional as an intramuscular injection
• Dose calculated according to body weight, especially important in children
• Typically given once daily until oral treatment can be started
• Followed by a complete oral antimalarial course as prescribed
• Not intended for home use or self injection

Drug Interactions

• Other Antimalarials: Combining with mefloquine or quinine requires careful medical timing.
• QT Prolonging Drugs: Certain heart and psychiatric medicines can increase abnormal heart rhythm risk when combined.
• Enzyme Inducing Medicines: Drugs like rifampicin can lower artemether levels in the blood.
• Live Vaccines: Timing with vaccination schedules should be discussed with a doctor.

Risks and warnings

• Hospital Administration: Given only under medical supervision for confirmed severe malaria.
• Weight Based Dosing: Incorrect dosing in children can reduce effectiveness or increase side effect risk.
• Heart Monitoring: Patients with existing heart conditions should be monitored during treatment.
• Pregnancy: Used cautiously in early pregnancy, only when benefits outweigh risks.
• Drug Resistance: Skipping the follow up oral course increases the risk of treatment failure.

Artimet Injection Side Effects

• Injection site pain
• Fever
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness
• Loss of appetite
• Low blood cell counts with prolonged use

Storage Conditions

• Store below 30 degrees Celsius away from direct light
• Do not freeze
• Keep ampoules in their original packaging until use
• Keep out of reach of children