How Do Antimalarial Artemisinin Derivatives Work?

Antimalarial artemisinin derivatives are a new class of antimalarial drugs used as initial treatment for severe malaria. These drugs inhibit growth and eventually kill the parasite.

Artesunate, an artemisinin derivative, is a prodrug, which is metabolized into dihydroartemisinin (DHA). The endoperoxide bridge present in artesunate and DHA reacts with heme iron and leads to oxidative stress. This inhibits the synthesis of proteins and nucleic acids in the Plasmodium parasite in all blood stages such as asexual parasites and gametocytes. The absence of proteins and nucleic acids leads to a decrease in the growth and survival rate of the parasite.

Antimalarial artemisinin derivatives are administered as intravenous injections to treat severe malaria.

Side effects associated with antimalarial artemisinin derivatives include:

• Anemia (low red blood cells)
• Cytopenia (decrease in all types of blood cells)
• Leukocytosis (high white blood cells)
• Diarrhea
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome
• Pneumonia 
• Pulmonary edema (accumulation of fluid in lungs)
• Yellowing of skin and eyes 
• Acute renal failure requiring dialysis 
• Elevated creatinine levels
• Hemoglobinuria (loss of free hemoglobin in the urine) 
• Increased liver enzymes
• Pancreatitis (inflammation and swelling of the pancreas) 
• Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reactions)

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic name of antimalarial artemisinin derivative is:

• Artesunate