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Artemisinin drugs: novel antimalarial agents
1Centre for Tropical Diseases, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK. ricprice@freenet.co.uk
Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs
|November 4, 2000
Summary
Artemisinin drugs like artesunate and artemether are effective antimalarials. Combination therapy and early rectal administration are key for treating malaria and preventing resistance.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Tropical Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Artemisinin and its derivatives (artesunate, artemether) are potent antimalarials.
- They demonstrate high efficacy in treating both severe and uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the efficacy and optimal use of artemisinin derivatives in malaria treatment.
- To discuss the role of combination therapy and novel administration routes.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing clinical data and pharmacokinetic profiles.
- Analysis of treatment guidelines for uncomplicated and severe malaria.
- Evaluation of safety and tolerability data.
Main Results:
- Artemisinin derivatives show excellent efficacy but require optimized dosing and defined pharmacokinetic profiles.
- Combination therapy with long-acting antimalarials is recommended for uncomplicated malaria to prevent resistance.
- Parenteral artemether is as effective as quinine for severe malaria and simpler to administer.
- Rectal artesunate/artemisinin facilitates early treatment, potentially reducing severe disease progression.
Conclusions:
- Artemisinin, artesunate, and artemether are well-tolerated with no significant toxicity in adults and children.
- The choice of artemisinin derivative depends on availability, cost, and preparation quality.
- Optimized use, including combination therapy and early administration, is crucial for effective malaria control.
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