Artecan 120 mg Injection

Artecan 120 mg Injection is a vital antimalarial medication used for the treatment of severe and complicated malaria, particularly in situations where oral therapy is not viable or effective. It contains Artesunate, a water-soluble derivative of artemisinin, which is extracted from the Artemisia annua plant. This injection is especially useful in emergency medical situations where rapid treatment is essential to prevent complications or death.

Artesunate has been recognized for its rapid parasite-killing action and is widely used across malaria-endemic regions. Artecan 120 mg provides a high concentration of artesunate, making it suitable for adult and pediatric patients suffering from life-threatening forms of malaria.

Composition

Each vial of Artecan 120 mg Injection contains:

• Active Ingredient: Artesunate 120 mg (as dry powder for injection)

• Additional Components: Sodium bicarbonate and sterile water for injection (used for reconstitution before administration)

The formulation ensures stability and rapid conversion of artesunate into its active form (dihydroartemisinin) upon administration, which enables quick action in reducing the parasitic load.

Mechanism of Action

Artesunate is a fast-acting antimalarial agent that works by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) inside the parasite’s cells. These free radicals damage the parasite’s cellular membranes, mitochondria, and nuclear structures. As a result, the parasite is destroyed during its blood-stage lifecycle, halting the progression of the disease and reducing the patient’s parasitemia.

This rapid mechanism makes artesunate more effective than older antimalarial drugs, such as quinine or chloroquine, especially in cases involving multi-drug resistant malaria.

Indications

Artecan 120 mg Injection is indicated for:

• Severe malaria, including cerebral malaria and organ failure caused by Plasmodium falciparum

• Malaria with high parasitemia levels

• Malaria in patients who cannot take oral medications, due to vomiting, unconsciousness, or inability to swallow

• Mixed infections involving Plasmodium falciparum with other species

This injection is used as an emergency treatment to reduce parasite levels quickly and is often followed by a full course of oral antimalarials to ensure complete eradication of the disease.

Dosage and Administration

Artecan 120 mg Injection is intended to be administered only by trained healthcare professionals. It can be given either intravenously (IV) or intramuscularly (IM) after proper reconstitution.

Preparation:

• Reconstitute the powder with 1 mL of provided sodium bicarbonate solution to form sodium artesunate.

• Then dilute further with 5 mL of 5% dextrose or 0.9% normal saline before injecting.

Standard Dosing Schedule:

• Initial dose: 2.4 mg/kg body weight at 0 hours

• Follow-up doses: 2.4 mg/kg at 12 and 24 hours, then once daily until the patient is well enough to switch to oral therapy.

This dosing is the same for both adults and children but must be carefully calculated based on exact body weight. Typically, treatment continues for 3–7 days or until clinical improvement is observed.

Transition to Oral Therapy

Once the patient’s condition stabilizes and they can tolerate oral medications, they should complete a full 3-day course of an oral artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), such as artemether-lumefantrine or artesunate-mefloquine. This transition ensures total clearance of malaria parasites and minimizes the chance of relapse or resistance.

Benefits

1. Fast Parasite Clearance

Artesunate begins acting within hours of administration, and in most cases, parasite counts drop significantly within the first 24–48 hours. This rapid action is crucial for patients with cerebral malaria or organ dysfunction.

2. Lower Risk of Complications

By halting parasite replication early, Artecan 120 mg reduces the chances of complications such as seizures, coma, acute kidney injury, liver failure, or death.

3. Effective Against Resistant Strains

Unlike older drugs like chloroquine or quinine, artesunate is highly effective against drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains, making it a preferred choice in most malaria-endemic countries.

4. Suitable for All Age Groups

The dosage can be tailored for infants, children, and adults. In emergencies, it can also be used in pregnancy (especially second and third trimesters) under medical supervision.

Side Effects

Although Artecan 120 mg is generally well tolerated, like all medications, it may cause some side effects. These are usually mild and transient.

Common Side Effects:

• Injection site pain or inflammation

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Nausea or vomiting

• Temporary increase in liver enzymes

Rare but Serious Side Effects:

• Hemolysis (especially in patients with G6PD deficiency)

• Low white blood cell or platelet counts

• Hypersensitivity reactions (rash, itching, or swelling)

• Delayed hemolytic anemia (may occur 1–3 weeks after treatment)

Patients should be monitored regularly during and after treatment, especially with full blood counts and liver function tests.

Precautions

1. Pregnancy and Lactation

Artesunate is generally safe during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Use in the first trimester should be reserved for life-threatening cases where no alternatives exist. Limited data exist on lactation, but benefits usually outweigh the potential risk.

2. G6PD Deficiency

Caution is advised in individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency due to a potential risk of hemolysis.

3. Allergic Reactions

Patients with known allergies to artesunate or artemisinin derivatives should avoid this medication.

4. Renal and Hepatic Impairment

Although artesunate is generally safe, dose adjustment and closer monitoring are necessary in patients with existing kidney or liver issues.

Drug Interactions

While artesunate has relatively few drug interactions, caution is necessary when used alongside medications that affect liver enzymes or those that prolong the QT interval. Inform the physician of all drugs being taken, including:

• Antiretrovirals

• Antipsychotics

• Antiarrhythmics

• Other antimalarials

Storage Instructions

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.

• Protect from moisture and do not freeze.

• Reconstituted solutions should be used immediately or within 1 hour.

• Keep out of reach of children.

Special Notes for Use in Endemic Areas

Artecan 120 mg Injection is a frontline treatment in many malaria-endemic regions. Health authorities often stock it in rural clinics, emergency rooms, and humanitarian medical kits. In settings with limited access to rapid diagnostic tests or laboratory monitoring, clinical judgment is essential.

Due to its broad efficacy, rapid onset, and ease of administration by IV or IM routes, Artecan 120 mg Injection is considered a life-saving essential medicine by many global health institutions.

Why Choose Artecan 120 mg Injection?

• Trusted and Time-Tested: Artesunate is recommended by international health bodies for the treatment of severe malaria.

• Powerful Yet Safe: Minimal side effects with high efficacy.

• Fast-Acting: Parasite clearance starts within hours, improving outcomes in critical cases.

• Flexible Use: Suitable for adults, children, and special populations with appropriate supervision.

• Easy Storage and Use: Compact, stable dry powder with simple reconstitution.

Conclusion

Artecan 120 mg Injection is a critical tool in the battle against severe malaria. With its active ingredient artesunate, it offers rapid, reliable relief in life-threatening conditions. This medication bridges the gap between severe illness and recovery by controlling the infection at its most dangerous stage.

When administered in a timely manner and followed up with a complete oral antimalarial regimen, Artecan 120 mg helps ensure full parasite clearance and reduces the chance of relapse or resistance. Whether used in a hospital setting or remote field clinic, it stands as a beacon of hope in the fight against malaria.

Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for appropriate use, dosing, and monitoring when receiving Artecan 120 mg Injection.