Artesunate
Artesunate is an artemisinin-derived antimalarial medication used to treat severe and uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium parasites. It works by generating reactive oxygen species that damage the parasite's cellular structures, rapidly reducing parasite load in the blood. This drug is a critical component of combination therapies recommended by WHO for malaria treatment in both adults and children.
Artesunate is an antimalarial medication used to treat malaria infections by rapidly killing Plasmodium parasites through oxidative damage.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- P01BE03
- RxNorm
- 18346
- Generic
- Artesunate
- Class
- atc-p01
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 2.4 mg/kg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- at 0, 12, and 24 hours, then once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2.4 mg/kg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- at 0, 12, and 24 hours, then once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 4 mg/kg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- twice daily on day 1, then once daily on days 2-3
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits clearly outweigh risks; consider alternative antimalarials in first trimester for uncomplicated malaria
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second third trimesterstandard_dosing
recommended for treatment of malaria; WHO endorses use in second and third trimesters
routine prenatal care
pediatric_age
infants and childrenweight_based
standard pediatric dosing recommended; artesunate is first-line treatment for severe malaria in children
standard pediatric monitoring
geriatric
elderlystandard_dosing
use with caution due to potential age-related decline in organ function; monitor renal and hepatic function
renal and hepatic function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild moderateno_adjustment
no dose adjustment required for mild to moderate renal impairment
standard monitoring
renal_impairment
severeuse_with_caution
use with caution; monitor closely for accumulation of metabolites
close renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild moderatestandard_dosing
use with caution; artesunate is extensively metabolized in liver
hepatic function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeuse_with_caution
use only if benefits outweigh risks; severe hepatic impairment may affect drug metabolism
frequent hepatic function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingstandard_dosing
compatible with breastfeeding; small amounts may pass into breast milk but not considered harmful
standard lactation monitoring
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Treatment of severe malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum and other Plasmodium species, including uncomplicated malaria when used in combination with other antimalarials. Commonly administered in both adult and pediatric populations in malaria-endemic regions.
Artesunate is a prodrug that is converted to its active metabolite, dihydroartemisinin. It generates reactive oxygen species and damages parasite membranes, leading to rapid parasite clearance. The drug has the fastest parasite reduction rate among available antimalarials.
Should be used as part of combination therapy to prevent resistance. Available in injectable, oral, and rectal formulations depending on clinical setting. Resistance to artemisinins has been reported in Southeast Asia. Not recommended as monotherapy. May cause transient neutropenia and reticulocytopenia. Pregnancy category C; use only if benefits outweigh risks.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy