Antimalarial
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Artesunate is a powerful antimalarial drug that works by quickly killing the malaria parasite in your blood. It is one of the fastest-acting malaria treatments available and is especially important for treating severe malaria.
Inhibits the Plasmodium parasite by generating reactive oxygen species through interaction with heme, disrupting parasite mitochondrial function and causing rapid destruction of intraerythrocytic and extraerythrocytic parasites across all lifecycle stages.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
For severe malaria, artesunate injection is given by a doctor or nurse in a hospital — you cannot self-administer this. The usual adult dose is 2.4 mg per kg body weight given intravenously at 0 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, then once daily until you can swallow tablets, after which you switch to an oral antimalarial to complete treatment. The rectal capsule (Artecap) may be used as emergency pre-referral treatment before reaching a hospital.
Since artesunate injection is given in a hospital by health workers, missed doses are unlikely. If a dose is delayed, the medical team will adjust the schedule. If using the rectal capsule at home as a first aid measure, get to a hospital as quickly as possible — do not wait to repeat doses on your own.
Always get artesunate from a reputable pharmacy or hospital — fake antimalarials are common with roadside sellers and can be life-threatening. Artesunate injection is meant for severe malaria treated in a hospital, not for self-medication at home. After treatment, go back to the hospital for follow-up blood tests for at least 4 weeks, as delayed anaemia (low blood) can develop after treatment.
Mefloquine (another antimalarial) — using them together may increase the risk of seizures or side effects. Efavirenz and nevirapine (HIV drugs) — may reduce how well artesunate works, so inform your doctor if you are on HIV treatment. Avoid alcohol during treatment as it can worsen nausea, dizziness, and put extra stress on your liver.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Artesunate with your other drugs?
Artesunate can be used in the second and third trimester of pregnancy for severe malaria when the mother's life is at risk, but should be avoided in the first trimester unless there is no safer alternative — always let your doctor decide. Breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor.
Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C — away from direct sunlight and humidity. In hot Nigerian weather, keep it in the coolest part of your house, not near windows or in a car. The powder for injection should only be mixed with liquid right before use. Keep all forms away from children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
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