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 | |
Pregnancy | |
Breastfeeding | |
Schedule |
BRAND NAME | STRENGTH | FORMULATION | PACK SIZE | MANUFACTURER | DISTRIBUTOR |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Artequick | 62.5mg/375mg | Tablet | 4’s | Artepharm | Harley’s Ltd |