AB AT Injection (Arteether): Complete Medicine Guide
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Swelling of face, lips, or throat
- Severe dizziness or fainting
- Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
- Confusion or seizures
- Yellowing of skin or eyes
- Decreased urine output
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is Falcitop Injection used for?
This medicine is an injectable antimalarial containing arteether, used for severe malaria. It is given by a healthcare professional as an intramuscular injection, usually once daily for 3 days. It works by killing the malaria parasite in the blood.
- Generic Name: Arteether (NA)
- Manufacturer: Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 Falcitop Injection के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा मलेरिया के इलाज के लिए दी जाती है, खासकर गंभीर मलेरिया में। यह आर्टेमिसिनिन वर्ग की दवा है और इसे डॉक्टर या नर्स द्वारा इंजेक्शन के रूप में मांसपेशी में लगाया जाता है। यह मलेरिया परजीवी को मारकर बुखार, ठंड लगना और पसीना जैसे लक्षणों को कम करती है। यह दवा अस्पताल या क्लिनिक में ही दी जाती है, घर पर खुद से नहीं लगाई जाती।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के कुछ सामान्य दुष्प्रभाव हो सकते हैं जैसे इंजेक्शन वाली जगह पर दर्द, हल्का बुखार, सिरदर्द, चक्कर आना, जी मिचलाना और उल्टी। ये आमतौर पर हल्के होते हैं और कुछ समय में ठीक हो जाते हैं। कभी-कभी गंभीर एलर्जी हो सकती है जिसमें सांस लेने में तकलीफ, चेहरे या गले में सूजन हो सकती है। ऐसा होने पर तुरंत डॉक्टर को बताएं।
सुरक्षा सलाह: यह दवा सिर्फ डॉक्टर या नर्स द्वारा ही लगाई जानी चाहिए। खुद से इंजेक्शन न लगाएं। अगर आपको आर्टेमिसिनिन से एलर्जी है तो डॉक्टर को बताएं। गर्भवती या स्तनपान कराने वाली महिलाएं डॉक्टर से सलाह लें। इलाज के दौरान शराब न पिएं। इंजेक्शन के बाद कम से कम 30 मिनट तक क्लिनिक में रुकें ताकि किसी भी प्रतिक्रिया का पता चल सके। पूरा कोर्स पूरा करें।
💊 Falcitop Injection Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Severe malaria","description":"This medicine is used for the treatment of severe malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, especially when oral therapy is not possible.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Cerebral malaria","description":"It may be used in cases of cerebral malaria, a severe complication of malaria affecting the brain.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Multidrug-resistant malaria","description":"It can be effective in areas where the malaria parasite is resistant to other antimalarial drugs.","evidence":"Well-established"}]
Off-label uses: []
Primary treatment for: Malaria
Also treats: Cerebral malaria, Severe malaria
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Arteether (NA) |
| Brand Name | Falcitop Injection |
| Manufacturer | Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | vial of 2 ml Injection (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | |
| Action Class | |
| Route of Administration | Parenteral (intramuscular injection) |
| Storage | Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children. |
| Shelf Life | Not established from the available information. |
| WHO Guideline | The World Health Organization recommends artemisinin-based combination therapies for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria. For severe malaria, intravenous or intramuscular artesunate is the preferred treatment. Arteether is an alternative artemisinin derivative that may be used when artesunate is not available. This information is for educational purposes; always follow national treatment guidelines. |
| ICMR Guideline | The Indian Council of Medical Research recommends artemisinin-based combination therapy for uncomplicated falciparum malaria. For severe malaria, parenteral artesunate is the drug of choice. Arteether is an alternative in some settings. Consult the latest ICMR guidelines for specific recommendations. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
Arteether is converted in the body to its active metabolite, dihydroartemisinin. This metabolite interacts with iron-containing compounds inside the malaria parasite, leading to the production of free radicals. These free radicals damage the parasite's proteins and membranes, ultimately killing the parasite. This medicine is effective against the blood stages of the malaria parasite, including the stages that cause symptoms.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take Falcitop Injection
Strength: Injection: 150 mg in 2 ml ampoule (typical strength; actual strength may vary).
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose of this medicine is 150 mg given by intramuscular injection once daily for 3 days. This is a general guideline; the exact dose and duration must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on the severity of malaria, patient's weight, kidney and liver function, and other factors. Do not self-administer. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. Dose should be individualized by a clinician based on kidney and liver function. |
| Renal Impairment | No specific dose adjustment is established for patients with kidney disease. Use with caution and monitor closely. |
| Hepatic Impairment | No specific dose adjustment is established for patients with liver disease. Use with caution and monitor liver function. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum daily dose is 150 mg for adults, but this must be confirmed by a clinician. |
Dosage Timeline
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of Falcitop Injection
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Mefloquine | Major | |
| Quinine | Major | |
| Amiodarone | Major | |
| Sotalol | Major | |
| Ketoconazole | Moderate | |
| Ritonavir | Moderate | |
| Rifampicin | Moderate | |
| Carbamazepine | Moderate | |
| Paracetamol | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Other antimalarials (e.g., mefloquine, quinine)
- Drugs that prolong QT interval (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol)
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir)
- CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine)
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol may worsen side effects such as dizziness, nausea, and liver stress. It is advisable to avoid alcohol during treatment with this medicine.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known allergy to arteether or other artemisinin compounds","First trimester of pregnancy (unless life-threatening)","Severe heart conditions (e.g., congenital long QT syndrome)"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["This medicine must be given only by a healthcare professional.","Do not use for mild malaria that can be treated orally.","Use with caution in patients with heart, liver, or kidney disease.","Avoid alcohol during treatment.","Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.","Do not exceed the prescribed dose.","Complete the full course as prescribed."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
It is not known whether arteether passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding while on this medicine.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose with this medicine is unlikely as it is given by a healthcare professional. If overdose is suspected, seek immediate medical attention. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic.
⏰ Missed Dose
Since this medicine is given by a healthcare professional, missed doses are unlikely. If you miss an appointment for your injection, contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule. Do not try to self-administer.
Additional Safety Advice
This medicine must only be given by a qualified healthcare professional in a medical setting. Do not attempt to self-administer this injection. Inform your doctor if you are allergic to arteether, other artemisinin medicines, or any other drugs. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, especially other antimalarials, heart medicines, and drugs that affect liver enzymes. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before receiving this medicine. Avoid alcohol during treatment as it may worsen side effects. After the injection, stay in the clinic for at least 30 minutes so that any immediate reactions can be managed. Complete the full course of treatment as prescribed, even if you feel better, to ensure the infection is fully cleared. Do not share this medicine with others. Keep all follow-up appointments so your doctor can check your response to treatment.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients may be more susceptible to side effects such as dizziness and heart rate changes. Close monitoring is advised during treatment.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning pregnancy, discuss with your doctor. Malaria can be dangerous during pregnancy, so prevention and prompt treatment are important. This medicine should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
If you have recently had surgery, inform your doctor before receiving this medicine. There are no specific restrictions, but your overall condition will be assessed.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist if you are receiving this medicine. There are no specific interactions with dental procedures, but your dentist should be aware of your medical condition.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
During treatment for severe malaria, you should rest and avoid strenuous exercise. Gradually resume activities as you recover, as advised by your doctor.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
Severe malaria requires hospitalization and treatment with this medicine. You will need to take time off work to recover. Driving and operating machinery should be avoided if you feel dizzy or weak.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop this medicine without consulting your doctor. The full course must be completed to ensure the infection is cured. If you experience severe side effects, your doctor may decide to stop or change the treatment.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
This medicine is usually given for a short course (3 days). Long-term effects are not well established. Rarely, liver enzyme elevations have been reported. If you receive multiple courses, your doctor may monitor your liver function.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Another artemisinin derivative that is preferred for severe malaria in many guidelines.
Evidence: Well-establishedAn alternative artemisinin derivative for severe malaria.
Evidence: Well-establishedAn older antimalarial that can be used if artemisinin derivatives are not available.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
There are no known interactions between this medicine and vaccines. However, if you are due for a vaccine, inform your doctor, as your immune system may be affected by malaria.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature (15-30°C)
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate unless specified
✅ DO
Keep in original container
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight
❌ DON'T
Do not store in bathroom cabinet
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
If you are traveling and need this medicine, carry it in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription. This medicine is given by a healthcare professional, so you will need to visit a clinic or hospital at your destination. Store it at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Check with the local health authorities about any restrictions on carrying injectable medicines across borders. Always carry a medical letter explaining your condition and treatment.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: This medicine starts working within hours after injection, reducing fever and parasite count. However, you must complete the full course for a complete cure.
A: No, this medicine must be given by a healthcare professional in a clinic or hospital setting.
A: Common side effects include pain at the injection site, mild fever, headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. These usually resolve on their own.
A: It should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed, as advised by your doctor. Your doctor will weigh the risks and benefits.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for Falcitop Injection
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
unither injectionTorrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd ₹19.98 55.6% CHEAPER
-
indither injectionIndica Laboratories Pvt Ltd ₹42.19 6.2% CHEAPER
-
wiciparum injectionWindlas Biotech Ltd ₹46.88 4.2% COSTLIER
-
zyether injectionZydus Healthcare Limited ₹62.50 38.9% COSTLIER
-
ab at injectionZee Laboratories ₹64.69 43.8% COSTLIER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine can be self-administered at home.
Fact: This medicine must only be given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting. - Myth: This medicine can prevent malaria.
Fact: This medicine treats malaria but does not prevent it. Preventive measures like mosquito nets are needed. - Myth: This medicine is safe for everyone.
Fact: It is not recommended for people allergic to artemisinin or with certain heart conditions.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Arteether injection
Brand Alternatives
- AB AT Injection