What is azunate 120mg injection used for?

Artesunate 120 mg injection is a prescription medicine used to treat severe malaria. It is given by a healthcare professional as an intravenous or intramuscular injection. It works quickly to kill the malaria parasite and is the first-line treatment for severe malaria worldwide.

Generic Name: Artesunate
Manufacturer: Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
Form: Allopathy
Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
Prescription Required: Yes

🇮🇳 azunate 120mg injection के बारे में (Hindi Summary)

उपयोग: यह दवा आर्टेसुनेट 120 मिलीग्राम इंजेक्शन के रूप में गंभीर मलेरिया के इलाज के लिए दी जाती है। यह मलेरिया परजीवी को तेजी से मारती है और मरीज की हालत में सुधार लाती है। यह केवल अस्पताल या क्लिनिक में डॉक्टर या नर्स द्वारा ही दी जाती है। इसे घर पर खुद से नहीं लगाया जा सकता।

साइड इफेक्ट्स: आम दुष्प्रभावों में मतली, उल्टी, सिरदर्द, चक्कर आना और इंजेक्शन लगाने की जगह पर दर्द शामिल हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं, लेकिन एलर्जी, खून की कमी, या लिवर की समस्या हो सकती है। अगर सांस लेने में तकलीफ, चेहरे या गले में सूजन, या पेशाब का रंग गहरा हो जाए तो तुरंत डॉक्टर को बताएं।

सुरक्षा सलाह: यह दवा केवल डॉक्टर की देखरेख में अस्पताल में ही दी जानी चाहिए। खुद से इंजेक्शन न लगाएं। अगर आप गर्भवती हैं या स्तनपान करा रही हैं तो डॉक्टर को बताएं। इलाज के दौरान शराब न पिएं। डॉक्टर द्वारा बताए गए सभी फॉलो-अप और जांच समय पर कराएं।

💊 azunate 120mg injection Uses & Benefits

[{"condition":"Severe malaria due to Plasmodium falciparum","description":"First-line treatment for severe malaria, including cerebral malaria, severe anemia, and high parasitemia.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Complicated malaria","description":"Used when oral therapy is not possible due to vomiting, unconsciousness, or other complications.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Malaria in non-immune travelers","description":"May be used for severe malaria in travelers returning from endemic areas.","evidence":"Well-established"}]

Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Schistosomiasis","description":"Artesunate has shown activity against Schistosoma species in some studies, but it is not a standard treatment.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Other parasitic infections","description":"Some case reports suggest activity against other parasites, but evidence is insufficient.","evidence":"Limited"}]

Primary treatment for: Severe malaria

Also treats: Cerebral malaria, Complicated malaria, Malaria in pregnancy

📋 Drug Information

Generic Name(s)	Artesunate
Brand Name	Azunate
Manufacturer	Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
Packaging / Form	Varies by brand (Allopathy)
Therapeutic Class	ANTI MALARIALS
Action Class	Antimalarial- Artemisinin and derivatives
Route of Administration	Parenteral (intravenous or intramuscular injection)
Storage	Store below 25°C, protected from light. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.
Shelf Life	24 months from the date of manufacture.
WHO Guideline	WHO recommends intravenous artesunate as the first-line treatment for severe malaria in adults, children, and pregnant women (all trimesters).
ICMR Guideline	ICMR guidelines also recommend intravenous artesunate as the drug of choice for severe malaria in India.

👨‍⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips

Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians

1

Administer artesunate as soon as severe malaria is suspected; do not delay for laboratory confirmation.

2

Monitor for delayed hemolysis for up to 4 weeks after treatment, especially in patients with high parasitemia.

3

Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney impairment; monitor function tests.

4

Avoid concomitant use with QT-prolonging drugs if possible; if necessary, monitor ECG.

5

Ensure follow-up with oral artemisinin-based combination therapy once the patient can tolerate oral medicines.

6

Educate patients about the importance of completing the full treatment course.

🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?

Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.

✅

High fever with chills

This medicine is used for severe malaria, which often presents with high fever.

Likely Use

❌

Headache

This medicine is not a primary headache treatment.

Not Primary

❌

Muscle pain

This medicine is not a pain reliever.

Not Primary

🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)

Pharmacokinetics

AbsorptionArtesunate is administered intravenously or intramuscularly, so absorption is not applicable. After intramuscular injection, it is rapidly absorbed, with peak plasma concentrations reached within 1 hour.

DistributionArtesunate and its active metabolite dihydroartemisinin distribute widely into body tissues, including the brain, but precise volume of distribution data are not well established.

Protein BindingArtesunate is approximately 60-70% bound to plasma proteins; dihydroartemisinin is about 40-60% bound.

MetabolismArtesunate is rapidly hydrolyzed to dihydroartemisinin, which is further metabolized in the liver by glucuronidation, primarily via UGT1A9 and UGT2B7 enzymes.

Half-LifeArtesunate has a very short half-life of less than 1 hour; its active metabolite dihydroartemisinin has a half-life of about 1-2 hours.

ExcretionMetabolites are excreted mainly in urine and bile.

BioavailabilityNot applicable for intravenous route; intramuscular bioavailability is high, approximately 80-90%.

Onset of ActionRapid; parasite clearance begins within hours of administration.

Peak Plasma TimeFor intramuscular injection, peak plasma concentration of dihydroartemisinin occurs in about 1 hour.

Duration of ActionParasiticidal effect lasts for several hours, but repeated doses are needed for complete treatment.

How It Works

Artesunate is a derivative of artemisinin, which is activated by iron-heme within the malaria parasite. The activated drug generates free radicals and reactive oxygen species that alkylate and damage parasite proteins, including the sarco-endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) and other essential enzymes. This leads to disruption of parasite metabolism, loss of membrane integrity, and rapid death of the parasite, especially in the early ring stages.

Mechanism Steps

1

Activation by heme iron: Inside the malaria parasite, artesunate is activated by iron from heme, which is released during hemoglobin digestion.

2

Generation of free radicals: The activated drug generates reactive oxygen species and free radicals that damage parasite proteins and membranes.

3

Alkylation of parasite proteins: Free radicals alkylate multiple parasite proteins, including SERCA, leading to disruption of calcium homeostasis and cell death.

4

Rapid parasite clearance: The parasite is killed quickly, reducing parasitemia and clinical symptoms.

💡 How to Take azunate 120mg injection

Strength: Artesunate 120 mg injection (powder for solution)

1This medicine is given by a healthcare professional as an intravenous or intramuscular injection.

2The powder is reconstituted with the provided diluent before administration.

3The injection is usually given in a hospital or clinic setting.

4Follow your doctor's instructions for follow-up doses and monitoring.

5Do not attempt to self-administer this medicine at home.

Dosage Information

Adult Dosage	The standard adult dose is 2.4 mg/kg body weight given intravenously or intramuscularly at 0, 12, and 24 hours, then once daily until oral therapy can be started. For a 60 kg adult, this is approximately 144 mg per dose, but the exact dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on the patient's weight, clinical condition, and response to treatment. Do not self-administer.
Pediatric Dosage	The pediatric dose is also 2.4 mg/kg per dose, given intravenously or intramuscularly at 0, 12, and 24 hours, then once daily. Dosing must be determined by a pediatrician based on the child's weight and clinical status. Do not attempt to calculate or administer this medicine at home.
Elderly Dosage	No specific dose adjustment is recommended for elderly patients, but use with caution due to potential reduced liver and kidney function. Monitor closely.
Renal Impairment	No dose adjustment is required for renal impairment, but monitor kidney function and watch for delayed hemolysis.
Hepatic Impairment	No specific dose adjustment is recommended for hepatic impairment, but use with caution and monitor liver function.
Maximum Daily Dose	The maximum daily dose is 2.4 mg/kg per day, but the total duration and frequency must be determined by a clinician.

Dosage Timeline

🌅 Morning ❌ ☀️ Afternoon ❌ 🌆 Evening ❌ 🌙 Night ❌

🍽️ Food Timing Guide

With food

Not applicable for injection

This medicine is given as an injection, so food timing does not affect it.

Grapefruit

Avoid

May increase drug levels, though clinical significance is not well established.

Alcohol

Avoid

May increase risk of liver toxicity and worsen side effects.

⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose

📌 Less than half the dosing interval has passed

→ Contact your healthcare provider to reschedule the missed dose as soon as possible.

💡 Do not attempt to self-administer.

📌 More than half the dosing interval has passed

→ Skip the missed dose and continue with the next scheduled dose.

💡 Do not double dose to catch up.

⚠️ Side Effects of azunate 120mg injection

✅ Common Side Effects

Nausea (Common (5-10%))

Usually resolves on its own. Inform your doctor if persistent.

Vomiting (Common (5-10%))

Report to your doctor if severe or persistent.

Headache (Common (5-10%))

May be relieved with rest and fluids. Consult if severe.

Dizziness (Common (5-10%))

Avoid driving or operating machinery until you feel normal.

Injection site pain (Common (5-10%))

Apply cold compress if needed. Report if swelling or redness worsens.

🚨 Serious Side Effects

Anaphylaxis (Rare (<0.1%))

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat, or rash.

Delayed hemolysis (Uncommon (0.1-1%))

Report dark urine, fatigue, or jaundice to your doctor immediately.

Severe liver injury (Rare (<0.1%))

Seek medical attention if you notice yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, or severe abdominal pain.

Severe allergic reaction (Rare (<0.1%))

Get emergency help if you have hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

⚠️ Rare Side Effects

Neurotoxicity

Report any confusion, seizures, or unusual movements to your doctor.

Severe thrombocytopenia

Seek medical attention if you notice unusual bleeding or bruising.

Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.

🔬 Drug Interactions

Drug	Severity	Effect
Mefloquine	Major
Lumefantrine	Major
Amiodarone	Major
Rifampicin	Moderate
Phenytoin	Moderate
Valproic acid	Moderate
Warfarin	Moderate
Grapefruit juice	Minor
Antacids	Minor
Alcohol	Moderate

🚨 Major Interactions

Other antimalarials (e.g., mefloquine, lumefantrine)
Drugs that prolong QT interval (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol)

⚡ Moderate Interactions

UGT enzyme inducers (e.g., rifampicin, phenytoin)
UGT enzyme inhibitors (e.g., valproic acid)

🍷 Alcohol Interaction

Avoid alcohol while receiving this medicine as it may increase the risk of liver toxicity and worsen side effects such as dizziness and nausea.

🔎 Check Your Other Medicines

Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.

🛡️ Safety & Warnings

🚫 Contraindications

["Known hypersensitivity to artesunate or other artemisinin derivatives","Not for prevention of malaria","Not for uncomplicated malaria when oral therapy is feasible"]

⚠️ Warnings & Precautions

["Administer only in a setting where resuscitation equipment is available.","Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney impairment.","Monitor for delayed hemolysis for up to 4 weeks after treatment.","Avoid concomitant use with QT-prolonging drugs if possible.","Inform patients about the risk of dizziness and advise caution while driving."]

🤱 Lactation Safety

Artesunate is considered safe during breastfeeding. It passes into breast milk in small amounts, but no adverse effects have been reported in breastfed infants. Consult your doctor.

💊 Overdose Management

There is no specific antidote for artesunate overdose. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Monitor vital signs, liver and kidney function, and blood counts. In case of overdose, seek immediate medical attention.

⏰ Missed Dose

This medicine is given by a healthcare professional, so missed doses are unlikely. If you miss a scheduled dose, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to reschedule. Do not attempt to self-administer.

Additional Safety Advice

General Safety

This medicine must be given only by a qualified healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic setting. Do not attempt to self-administer. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, especially other antimalarials, drugs that affect the liver, and any blood thinners. After treatment, your doctor may monitor your blood counts and liver function. Avoid alcohol during treatment as it may worsen side effects. If you miss a follow-up appointment for your next dose, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Do not stop treatment early even if you feel better, as the full course is necessary to prevent relapse and resistance.

👴 Special Considerations for Elderly

💡 For Patients Above 65

Elderly patients may be more susceptible to side effects and should be monitored closely for liver and kidney function.

🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)

If you are planning pregnancy, discuss with your doctor. Artesunate is recommended for severe malaria in pregnancy, but preventive measures are important.

🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations

If you have recently had surgery, inform your doctor before receiving artesunate. It can be given if needed, but monitoring is advised.

🦷 Dental Procedures

Inform your dentist if you are receiving artesunate. No specific precautions are needed, but maintain good hydration.

💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results

🏃

Use mosquito nets and repellents to prevent malaria.

🥗

Eliminate standing water around your home to reduce mosquito breeding.

😴

Wear protective clothing in malaria-endemic areas.

💧

Take antimalarial prophylaxis if traveling to high-risk areas.

🧘

Seek early medical care for fever in endemic areas.

🏋️ Exercise Considerations

Avoid strenuous exercise until you have fully recovered from malaria. Rest and gradual return to activity are advised.

🥗 Diet Recommendations

Stay well hydrated.

Eat light, nutritious meals.

Include fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins.

Avoid alcohol.

💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life

You may need to take time off work or school during treatment and recovery. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you feel fully alert.

🛑 When to Stop This Medicine

Do not stop treatment on your own. The full course will be determined by your doctor. If you experience severe side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

📅 Long-Term Use Effects

Long-term effects are not well established as artesunate is typically used for short courses. Rarely, delayed hemolysis can occur weeks after treatment. Monitoring for blood disorders and liver function is advised if repeated courses are given.

🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches

These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.

Artemether injection

Alternative antimalarial for severe malaria.

Evidence: Well-established

Quinine injection

Alternative for severe malaria, but less preferred due to side effects.

Evidence: Well-established

💉 Vaccination Considerations

💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated

There are no known interactions between artesunate and vaccines. However, if you are acutely ill with malaria, vaccination may be deferred until you recover.

📦 Storage Guide

✅ DO

Store below 25°C

❌ DON'T

Do not freeze

✅ DO

Keep in original container

❌ DON'T

Do not transfer to unmarked containers

✅ DO

Protect from light

❌ DON'T

Do not store in direct sunlight

✈️ Traveling with This Medicine

If you are traveling and need artesunate injection, it must be administered by a healthcare professional. Carry a copy of your prescription and medical records. Store the injection below 25°C, protected from light. Do not freeze. Check customs regulations for carrying prescription medicines. If you are traveling to a malaria-endemic area, take appropriate preventive measures.

💰 Cost Analysis & Savings

👥 Real Patient Stories

Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.

👤 A 35-year-old man with severe malaria and high fever

He was admitted to the hospital with severe malaria. He received artesunate 120mg injection every 12 hours for the first day, then daily. His fever subsided within 24 hours, and he was able to take oral medicines after 2 days. He was monitored for delayed hemolysis and recovered fully.

💡 Lesson: Artesunate injection rapidly controls severe malaria, but follow-up monitoring is essential.

👤 A 28-year-old pregnant woman in her second trimester with severe malaria

She was treated with artesunate injection as per WHO guidelines. Both mother and baby remained stable, and she completed a full course of oral antimalarial after discharge.

💡 Lesson: Artesunate is safe and effective for severe malaria in pregnancy, but must be given under medical supervision.

💬 Questions Patients Often Ask

Q: How long does it take to work?

A: Artesunate starts working within hours, reducing fever and parasite count rapidly.

Q: Can I take this medicine at home?

A: No, it must be given by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic.

Q: Is it safe in pregnancy?

A: Yes, it is recommended for severe malaria in pregnancy, but consult your doctor.

Q: What are the side effects?

A: Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, headache, and dizziness. Serious side effects are rare.

🤔 Common Patient Concerns

💭 These are the concerns patients most commonly raise

Can I take this medicine at home?
How long will I need this injection?
What are the long-term effects?
Is it safe in pregnancy?
Can I drink alcohol while on this medicine?
What if I miss a dose?

🔄 Substitutes for azunate 120mg injection

View All

Alternative brands with exact same active ingredient:

Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.

🛑 Myths vs. Facts

Myth: Artesunate injection can be self-administered at home.
Fact: No, it must be given by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
Myth: Artesunate is used for all types of malaria.
Fact: It is specifically for severe malaria; uncomplicated malaria is usually treated with oral medicines.
Myth: Artesunate injection is a vaccine.
Fact: No, it is a treatment for active malaria, not a preventive vaccine.

🔄 Alternative Options

Generic Alternatives

Artesunate injection

Brand Alternatives

Azunate 120mg injection

📊 Comparison with Similar Medicines

[{"medicine":"Artesunate 120mg injection","class":"Artemisinin","route":"Parenteral","primary_use":"Severe malaria","onset":"Rapid"},{"medicine":"Artemether injection","class":"Artemisinin","route":"Intramuscular","primary_use":"Severe malaria","onset":"Rapid"},{"medicine":"Quinine injection","class":"Cinchona alkaloid","route":"Intravenous","primary_use":"Severe malaria","onset":"Moderate"}]

Artesunate 120mg Injection: Comprehensive Guide

When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY

What is azunate 120mg injection used for?

🇮🇳 azunate 120mg injection के बारे में (Hindi Summary)

💊 azunate 120mg injection Uses & Benefits

📋 Drug Information

👨‍⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips

🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?

🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)

Pharmacokinetics

How It Works

Mechanism Steps

💡 How to Take azunate 120mg injection

Dosage Information

Dosage Timeline

🍽️ Food Timing Guide

⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose

⚠️ Side Effects of azunate 120mg injection

✅ Common Side Effects

🚨 Serious Side Effects

⚠️ Rare Side Effects

🔬 Drug Interactions

🚨 Major Interactions

⚡ Moderate Interactions

🍷 Alcohol Interaction

🔎 Check Your Other Medicines

🛡️ Safety & Warnings

🚫 Contraindications

⚠️ Warnings & Precautions

🤱 Lactation Safety

💊 Overdose Management

⏰ Missed Dose

Additional Safety Advice

👴 Special Considerations for Elderly

💡 For Patients Above 65

🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)

🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations

🦷 Dental Procedures

💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results

🏋️ Exercise Considerations

🥗 Diet Recommendations

💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life

🛑 When to Stop This Medicine

📅 Long-Term Use Effects

🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches

💉 Vaccination Considerations

💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated

📦 Storage Guide

✅ DO

❌ DON'T

✅ DO

❌ DON'T

✅ DO

❌ DON'T

✈️ Traveling with This Medicine

💰 Cost Analysis & Savings

👥 Real Patient Stories

💬 Questions Patients Often Ask

🤔 Common Patient Concerns

💭 These are the concerns patients most commonly raise

🔄 Substitutes for azunate 120mg injection

🛑 Myths vs. Facts

🔄 Alternative Options

Generic Alternatives

Brand Alternatives

📊 Comparison with Similar Medicines

😊 Was this information helpful?

Browse Medicines A-Z

✍️ Write a Review

❓ Ask a Question

⚠️ Report an Issue