Arteether administration in humans: preliminary studies of pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerance

The recently developed artemisinin derivative arteether was administered by intramuscular injection to healthy male subjects in a single dose (n = 23) and a multiple dose study (n = 27). The drug was well tolerated. Clinical, neurological, electrocardiographic and biochemical monitoring did not reveal significant toxicity. Apart from some increase in eosinophil numbers, no haematological abnormality was seen. Preliminary pharmacokinetic data showed a long elimination half life of 25-72 h and marked accumulation in the multiple dose study.