Bitether Injection 80mg

About Bitether Injection 80mg

Bitether Injection Uses

• Severe malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum
• Malaria in patients unable to take oral medicine due to vomiting
• Complicated malaria requiring hospital care
• Malaria in children and adults where rapid parasite clearance is needed

Bitether Injection Benefits

• Fast acting against malaria parasites in the bloodstream
• Suitable when oral antimalarial tablets cannot be taken
• Once daily intramuscular dosing simplifies hospital treatment
• Effective in regions of Pakistan with ongoing malaria transmission

What Experts Say

Artemether belongs to the artemisinin family of antimalarial drugs, known for clearing malaria parasites from the blood quickly. It disrupts the parasite's internal processes, which stops it from multiplying inside red blood cells. This rapid action is especially valuable in severe or advanced malaria infections.

Malaria remains a seasonal concern in several parts of Pakistan, especially during and after the monsoon rains when standing water increases mosquito numbers. This injection is reserved for severe cases or for patients who cannot keep oral antimalarial tablets down due to vomiting. Rural and flood affected areas often see a rise in malaria cases needing this kind of urgent hospital treatment.

Treatment is usually given as a course of daily injections in a hospital, with a blood test confirming malaria before it starts. A follow up course of oral antimalarial tablets is often advised once the injections are complete, to fully clear the infection. Patients are also monitored for fever response over the following days to confirm the treatment is working.

Drug Class

• Artemisinin derivative antimalarial

Bitether Injection 80mg formula

• Artemether 80mg

Available forms

• Injection

How to use Bitether Injection 80mg?

• A doctor or trained nurse gives this injection into a large muscle, usually the thigh.
• The first dose is followed by daily doses for several more days as directed by the doctor.
• A blood test confirming malaria is done before treatment starts.
• A follow up course of oral antimalarial tablets may be advised after the injections finish.

Drug Interactions

• Mefloquine: Combined use calls for careful monitoring for added heart rhythm effects.
• Drugs affecting heart rhythm: Caution is needed when combined with other medicines that also affect the QT interval.
• Rifampicin and similar drugs: These can reduce Artemether levels in the blood, lowering its effect.

Risks and warnings

• First trimester pregnancy: Used with caution in early pregnancy, only when the benefit clearly outweighs the risk.
• Heart rhythm problems: Caution is needed in patients with certain existing heart rhythm conditions.
• Previous allergic reaction: Any past reaction to artemisinin based medicines should be reported.
• Liver disease: Dose review may be needed in patients with significant liver problems.

Bitether Injection 80mg Side Effects

• Pain or swelling at the injection site
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Mild changes in heart rhythm on ECG in rare cases

Storage Conditions

• The ampoule is stored below 30°C, protected from light.
• It stays out of reach of children.
• Any unused portion is discarded after use and never kept for later.
• The ampoule is checked for particles or discoloration before use.