Artesunate
Severe malaria: 2.4 mg/kg IV at 0, 12 and 24 hours, then daily (3 mg/kg in children under 20 kg). Switch to oral ACT once able.
On this page
Dose
| Patient | Dose |
|---|---|
| Adult and child 20 kg and over | 2.4 mg/kg IV or IM at 0, 12 and 24 hours, then once daily |
| Child under 20 kg | 3 mg/kg per dose, same schedule |
Give at least 24 hours (3 doses) of parenteral treatment, then switch to a full 3-day course of oral ACT when the patient can take tablets.
Cautions
- Reconstitute with the bicarbonate diluent, then dilute with saline as directed.
- Check Hb 1–4 weeks later (delayed haemolysis).
- Safe in all trimesters for severe malaria.
Frequently asked questions
Is artesunate better than quinine?
Yes. Artesunate lowers deaths in severe malaria compared with quinine.
Used in these guides
Sources
Doses on this page are typical doses from the sources above. Always confirm with a current drug reference, the product leaflet and your hospital protocol, especially in children, pregnancy and kidney or liver disease.
For FCPS Part 1
Revising for FCPS Part 1? Artesunate is covered in our textbook chapter Antivirals and antifungals, with practice MCQs.