Indication:

  • Treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, including drug-resistant strains.
  • Used in Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) for enhanced efficacy and to prevent resistance.

Dosage:

  • Adults and children ≥35 kg:

One tablet OD*3/7

  • Children <35 kg:

Dosage is based on body weight; follow local treatment protocols.

  • Artemisinin: 62.5 mg
  • Piperaquine phosphate: 375 mg
  • Take once daily for 3 days, at the same time each day
  • Preferably take after food to reduce GI upset and improve absorption
  • Complete full course—even if symptoms resolve early
  • Avoid grapefruit juice (may increase piperaquine levels)

Artemisinin:

  • Derived from Artemisia annua
  • Acts rapidly against blood-stage parasites by producing reactive oxygen species
  • Short half-life—rapid symptom relief

Piperaquine:

  • A long-acting bisquinoline antimalarial
  • Inhibits hemozoin formation, disrupting parasite detoxification processes
  • Long half-life provides sustained post-treatment activity

Combination effect:

  • Artemisinin clears parasites quickly
  • Piperaquine prevents reinfection and recrudescence

Common:

  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Abdominal pain

Serious (rare):

  • QT interval prolongation (risk of arrhythmias)
  • Hepatotoxicity
  • Allergic reactions (rash, itching, anaphylaxis)
  • Hypersensitivity to artemisinin or piperaquine
  • History of cardiac arrhythmias or QT prolongation
  • Severe hepatic or renal impairment
  • Concurrent use of QT-prolonging medications
  • QT-prolonging agents (e.g., macrolides, fluoroquinolones, antipsychotics): Increased cardiac risk
  • CYP3A4 inducers/inhibitors may affect piperaquine levels
  • Avoid with other antimalarials that may cause additive toxicity

                                   Drug Status

Availability
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BRAND NAME STRENGTH FORMULATION PACK SIZE MANUFACTURER DISTRIBUTOR
Artequick 62.5mg/375mg Tablet 4’s Artepharm Harley’s Ltd