azunate 60mg injection - Artesunate (60mg) medicine

azunate 60mg injection

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Artesunate (60mg)
🏭 Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd 📦 Varies by brand 💊 Allopathy 📅 Updated: Sep 22, 2026
📋 Prescription Required 💊 Generic Available
Medically Reviewed
11 min read
Reviewed by
SaathiMed Expert Panel | Sep 22, 2026

What is azunate 60mg injection used for?

This medicine contains Artesunate (60mg) and is used to treat ANTI MALARIALS. Artesunate is a prodrug that is converted to dihydroartemisinin, which generates free radicals that . Always consult your doctor before use.

  • Generic Name: Artesunate
  • Manufacturer: Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
  • Form: Allopathy
  • Pregnancy Category: Category A
  • Prescription Required: Yes
💡 Did You Know? The Indian pharmaceutical market is expected to reach $130 billion by 2030.

💊 azunate 60mg injection Uses & Benefits

Severe malaria (IV/IM); uncomplicated malaria (oral combination therapy); multidrug-resistant malaria.

Off-label uses: Babesiosis (in combination with other agents); some autoimmune diseases (investigational).

📋 Drug Information

Generic Name(s)Artesunate
Brand NameAzunate
ManufacturerMacleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
Packaging / FormVaries by brand (Allopathy)
Therapeutic ClassANTI MALARIALS
Action ClassAntimalarial- Artemisinin and derivatives
Route of AdministrationIntravenous, intramuscular, oral
StorageStore at room temperature (20-25°C); protect from light and moisture.
Shelf LifeAs per manufacturer

🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)

Pharmacokinetics

AbsorptionRapidly absorbed after intramuscular or intravenous administration; oral absorption is rapid but with high first-pass metabolism.
DistributionWidely distributed throughout the body; crosses the blood-brain barrier and placenta.
Protein BindingApproximately 81-93% bound to plasma proteins.
MetabolismPrimarily hydrolyzed to dihydroartemisinin (active metabolite) by esterases in the liver and blood.
Half-LifeArtesunate: ~2-3 minutes; Dihydroartemisinin: ~45-60 minutes.
ExcretionPrimarily via urine (as metabolites); small amount in feces.
BioavailabilityIntravenous: 100%; Intramuscular: ~85-90%; Oral: ~40-60% due to first-pass metabolism.
Onset of ActionRapid (within 30 minutes for IV/IM).
Peak Plasma TimeArtesunate: 5-15 minutes; Dihydroartemisinin: 1-2 hours.
Duration of ActionShort; requires multiple doses.

How It Works

Artesunate is a prodrug that is converted to dihydroartemisinin, which generates free radicals that damage parasite proteins and membranes.

Mechanism Steps

1Artesunate is administered and rapidly converted to dihydroartemisinin (DHA) by esterases.
2DHA enters the parasite and interacts with heme (from hemoglobin digestion).
3The iron in heme cleaves the endoperoxide bridge of DHA, generating free radicals.
4Free radicals alkylate parasite proteins and membranes, leading to parasite death.
5The rapid action reduces parasitemia within hours.

💡 How to Take azunate 60mg injection

Follow your doctor's prescription exactly.

⚠️ Side Effects of azunate 60mg injection

✅ Common Side Effects

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Headache
Dizziness
Fever

🚨 Serious Side Effects

Severe allergic reactions
Hemolytic anemia
QT prolongation
Seizures

⚠️ Rare Side Effects

Neurotoxicity (ataxia, tremors)
Hepatitis
Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.

🔬 Drug Interactions

Drug Severity Effect
Mefloquine Major Increased risk of seizures and QT prolongation
Rifampin Major Reduced artesunate efficacy due to enzyme induction
Carbamazepine Major Decreased artesunate levels
Phenytoin Major Decreased artesunate levels
Warfarin Moderate Increased INR and bleeding risk
Grapefruit juice Minor Possible slight increase in artesunate levels

🚨 Major Interactions

  • Mefloquine
  • Rifampin
  • Carbamazepine
  • Phenytoin

⚡ Moderate Interactions

  • Warfarin
  • Anticoagulants
  • Antiplatelet agents

🍷 Alcohol Interaction

Avoid alcohol; may increase hepatotoxicity risk.

🛡️ Safety & Warnings

🚫 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to artesunate or any component; first trimester of pregnancy (unless no alternative).

🤱 Lactation Safety

Excreted in breast milk in small amounts; caution advised.

💊 Overdose Management

Supportive care; no specific antidote. Monitor for neurotoxicity (rare).

⏰ Missed Dose

Take as soon as remembered; if near next dose, skip missed dose. Do not double dose.

🔄 Substitutes for azunate 60mg injection

View All

Alternative brands with exact same active ingredient:

Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.

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