rtsunate 120mg injection - Artesunate (120mg) medicine

Falcigo 120mg Injection: A Comprehensive Guide to Severe Malaria Treatment

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🏭 Themis Medicare Ltd 📦 Varies by brand 💊 Allopathy 📅 Updated: Sep 23, 2026
⚠️ Hepatotoxicity Risk ⚠️ Nephrotoxicity Risk 🤰 Pregnancy Category Artesunate is recommended for the treatment of severe malaria in pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters. In the first trimester, the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks, as severe malaria can be fatal to both mother and fetus. The WHO recommends artesunate as the first-line treatment for severe malaria in all trimesters. 📋 Prescription Required 💊 Generic Available
Medically Reviewed
11 min read
Evidence: High
Reviewed by
SaathiMed Expert Panel | Sep 23, 2026

When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY

  • Difficulty breathing or swelling of face, lips, or throat
  • Severe allergic reaction with rash and low blood pressure
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes
  • Decreased urine output
  • Chest pain or palpitations
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Confusion or seizures

If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.

What is rtsunate 120mg injection used for?

This medicine is an injectable antimalarial used to treat severe malaria. It works quickly to kill malaria parasites and is given by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting.

  • Generic Name: Artesunate (120mg)
  • Manufacturer: Themis Medicare Ltd
  • Form: Allopathy
  • Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
  • Prescription Required: Yes

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

उपयोग: यह दवा गंभीर मलेरिया के इलाज के लिए दी जाती है। यह मलेरिया परजीवी को तेजी से मारती है और मरीज की जान बचाने में मदद करती है। यह इंजेक्शन के रूप में अस्पताल में डॉक्टर या नर्स द्वारा दी जाती है। गंभीर मलेरिया में यह दवा बहुत प्रभावी है और इससे मरीज की हालत जल्दी सुधरती है।

साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में मतली, उल्टी, सिरदर्द, चक्कर आना और पेट दर्द शामिल हैं। कभी-कभी गंभीर एलर्जी, लीवर या किडनी की समस्या, और दिल की धड़कन में गड़बड़ी हो सकती है। अगर आपको सांस लेने में तकलीफ, चेहरे या गले में सूजन, या त्वचा पर चकत्ते दिखें तो तुरंत डॉक्टर को बताएं।

सुरक्षा सलाह: यह दवा सिर्फ अस्पताल में डॉक्टर की देखरेख में दी जानी चाहिए। खुद से इंजेक्शन न लगाएं। अगर आपको आर्टेसुनेट से एलर्जी है तो डॉक्टर को बताएं। गर्भवती महिलाओं को यह दवा डॉक्टर की सलाह पर ही दी जानी चाहिए। इलाज के दौरान शराब न पिएं। डॉक्टर की बताई गई सभी सावधानियों का पालन करें।

💡 Did You Know? India is the largest provider of generic medicines globally, supplying over 50% of global vaccine demand.

💊 rtsunate 120mg injection Uses & Benefits

[{"condition":"Severe malaria","description":"This medicine is used for the treatment of severe malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, including cases with complications such as cerebral malaria, severe anemia, and organ dysfunction.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Cerebral malaria","description":"It is effective in treating cerebral malaria, a severe complication of malaria that affects the brain.","evidence":"Well-established"}]

Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Uncomplicated malaria","description":"In some settings, artesunate injection may be used as initial therapy for uncomplicated malaria when oral therapy is not feasible, but this is not the standard recommendation.","evidence":"Limited"}]

Primary treatment for: Severe malaria

Also treats: Cerebral malaria, Malaria with severe anemia, Malaria with organ dysfunction

📋 Drug Information

Generic Name(s)Artesunate (120mg)
Brand Namertsunate 120mg injection
ManufacturerThemis Medicare Ltd
Packaging / FormVaries by brand (Allopathy)
Therapeutic ClassANTI MALARIALS
Action ClassAntimalarial- Artemisinin and derivatives
Route of AdministrationParenteral (intravenous or intramuscular injection)
StorageStore at room temperature (15-30°C). Protect from light. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.
Shelf Life24 months from the date of manufacture.
WHO GuidelineThe World Health Organization recommends intravenous artesunate as the first-line treatment for severe malaria in adults, children, and pregnant women in all trimesters.
ICMR GuidelineThe Indian Council of Medical Research recommends artesunate injection for the treatment of severe malaria, followed by a full course of oral artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT).

👨‍⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips

Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians

1
Administer artesunate as soon as severe malaria is suspected, without waiting for laboratory confirmation.
2
Monitor patients for signs of anaphylaxis during and after injection.
3
Check parasite count daily to assess treatment response.
4
Switch to oral artemisinin-based combination therapy as soon as the patient can tolerate oral medication.
5
Monitor liver and kidney function tests during treatment.
6
Use with caution in patients with pre-existing cardiac conditions; consider ECG monitoring.

🔍 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

🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)

Pharmacokinetics

AbsorptionArtesunate is administered intravenously or intramuscularly, so absorption is rapid and complete. After intramuscular injection, peak plasma concentrations are reached within 1 hour.
DistributionArtesunate and its active metabolite, dihydroartemisinin, are widely distributed in the body. They cross the blood-brain barrier, which is important for treating cerebral malaria.
Protein BindingArtesunate is approximately 90% bound to plasma proteins.
MetabolismArtesunate is rapidly hydrolyzed to dihydroartemisinin, which is the active metabolite. Dihydroartemisinin is further metabolized in the liver by glucuronidation.
Half-LifeThe elimination half-life of artesunate is very short, approximately 3 minutes, while its active metabolite dihydroartemisinin has a half-life of about 45 minutes.
ExcretionArtesunate and its metabolites are primarily excreted in the urine and bile.
BioavailabilityNot applicable for intravenous administration. For intramuscular administration, bioavailability is high, approximately 80-90%.
Onset of ActionRapid, within 1 hour after intravenous administration.
Peak Plasma TimeFor intramuscular injection, peak plasma concentration of dihydroartemisinin is reached in about 1 hour.
Duration of ActionThe parasiticidal effect lasts for several hours, but repeated doses are needed to clear the infection completely.

How It Works

Artesunate is a derivative of artemisinin, which is activated by heme iron within the malaria parasite. The activated drug generates free radicals that damage parasite proteins and membranes, leading to rapid parasite death. It is effective against the blood stages of the parasite, including the ring stages and mature trophozoites, and also has some activity against gametocytes.

Mechanism Steps

1
Activation by heme iron: Artesunate is activated when it encounters heme iron within the malaria parasite, which is released during hemoglobin digestion.
2
Generation of free radicals: The activated drug generates reactive oxygen species and free radicals that alkylate and damage parasite proteins and lipids.
3
Parasite death: The damage to essential parasite molecules leads to rapid death of the malaria parasite, reducing parasitemia and clinical symptoms.

💡 How to Take rtsunate 120mg injection

Strength: Injection: 120 mg per vial (as artesunate powder for reconstitution).

1This medicine is given by a healthcare professional as an intravenous or intramuscular injection.
2The injection is prepared by reconstituting the powder with the provided diluent.
3The dose is calculated based on your body weight.
4It is usually given at 0, 12, and 24 hours, then once daily.
5You will be monitored for side effects during and after administration.
6Do not attempt to self-administer this medicine.

Dosage Information

Adult DosageThe standard adult dose of this medicine is 2.4 mg per kg body weight given intravenously or intramuscularly at 0, 12, and 24 hours, and then once daily until oral therapy can be started. The dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on the severity of malaria, patient's weight, and renal and hepatic function.
Pediatric DosageThe pediatric dose is also 2.4 mg per kg body weight, given intravenously or intramuscularly at 0, 12, and 24 hours, and then once daily. Pediatric dosing must be determined by a pediatrician based on the child's weight and clinical condition.
Elderly DosageElderly patients may have reduced liver and kidney function, so dose adjustments may be necessary. The dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician.
Renal ImpairmentNo specific dose adjustment is recommended for renal impairment, but use with caution and monitor renal function closely.
Hepatic ImpairmentNo specific dose adjustment is recommended for hepatic impairment, but use with caution and monitor liver function closely.
Maximum Daily DoseThe maximum daily dose is 2.4 mg per kg body weight per day, but this may be exceeded in severe cases under medical supervision. Always follow the prescribed dose.

Dosage Timeline

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

🍽️ Food Timing Guide

With food
No specific food restrictions
This medicine is given as an injection, so food does not affect its absorption.

⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose

📌 If a dose is missed during hospital treatment
→ Inform your healthcare provider immediately.
💡 Do not attempt to self-administer.

⚠️ Side Effects of rtsunate 120mg injection

✅ Common Side Effects

Nausea (Common (1-10%))
Usually resolves on its own. Inform your doctor if persistent.
Vomiting (Common (1-10%))
Stay hydrated. If severe, consult your doctor.
Headache (Common (1-10%))
Rest and take paracetamol if needed, but consult your doctor first.
Dizziness (Common (1-10%))
Avoid driving or operating machinery until you feel better.
Abdominal pain (Common (1-10%))
Inform your doctor if it persists or worsens.

🚨 Serious Side Effects

Anaphylaxis (Rare (<0.1%))
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat, or a sudden drop in blood pressure.
Severe allergic reactions (Rare (<0.1%))
Get emergency help if you develop a rash, itching, or swelling.
Liver toxicity (Rare (<0.1%))
Report yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe abdominal pain to your doctor immediately.
Kidney impairment (Rare (<0.1%))
Inform your doctor if you notice decreased urine output or swelling.
Cardiac arrhythmias (Rare (<0.1%))
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience palpitations, chest pain, or fainting.

⚠️ Rare Side Effects

Seizures
Seek emergency medical care.
Severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
Stop the medicine and seek immediate medical attention if you develop a rash with blisters or peeling skin.

Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.

🔬 Drug Interactions

Drug Severity Effect
Mefloquine Major
Amiodarone Major
Warfarin Moderate
Hormonal contraceptives Moderate
Antacids Minor

🚨 Major Interactions

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

⚡ Moderate Interactions

  • Hormonal contraceptives
  • Warfarin

🍷 Alcohol Interaction

Alcohol may increase the risk of liver toxicity and worsen side effects such as dizziness and nausea. It is advisable to avoid alcohol while receiving this medicine.

🔎 Check Your Other Medicines

Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.

🛡️ Safety & Warnings

🚫 Contraindications

["Known hypersensitivity to artesunate or other artemisinin derivatives","Severe allergic reaction to previous artesunate use"]

⚠️ Warnings & Precautions

["Administer only in a hospital setting with emergency care available.","Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney disease.","May cause dizziness; avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.","Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.","Avoid alcohol during treatment.","Do not use if the solution is discolored or contains particles."]

🤱 Lactation Safety

Artesunate is considered safe during breastfeeding. It is excreted in small amounts in breast milk, but the levels are not expected to harm the infant. Consult your doctor for guidance.

💊 Overdose Management

Overdose of artesunate may cause severe nausea, vomiting, and cardiac arrhythmias. There is no specific antidote. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Seek immediate medical attention if overdose is suspected.

⏰ Missed Dose

This medicine is given by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting, so missed doses are unlikely. If you miss a scheduled dose, inform your healthcare provider immediately. Do not attempt to self-administer.

Additional Safety Advice

General Safety

This medicine must be given only by a qualified healthcare professional in a setting where emergency care is available. Do not attempt to self-administer this injection. Inform your doctor if you are allergic to artesunate or any other medicines. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Provide a complete list of all medicines you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products, as interactions can occur. Your doctor may order blood tests to monitor your liver and kidney function, as well as your blood cell counts, during treatment. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you feel dizzy or unwell after receiving this medicine. Follow all instructions given by your healthcare team and report any unusual symptoms immediately.

👴 Special Considerations for Elderly

💡 For Patients Above 65

Elderly patients may be more susceptible to side effects and may have reduced liver and kidney function. Close monitoring is recommended.

🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)

If you are planning pregnancy, discuss with your doctor. Artesunate is safe in pregnancy when used for severe malaria, but prevention of malaria is important.

🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations

If you have recently had surgery, inform your doctor before receiving this medicine. It can be used safely, but monitoring may be needed.

🦷 Dental Procedures

Inform your dentist if you are receiving this medicine. No specific precautions are needed for dental procedures.

💚 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 when traveling to malaria-endemic areas.
💧
Take antimalarial prophylaxis if recommended by your doctor.
🧘
Seek early medical care for fever when in malaria-endemic regions.

🏋️ Exercise Considerations

Avoid strenuous exercise during treatment for severe malaria. Rest is important for recovery. Consult your doctor before resuming exercise.

🥗 Diet Recommendations

Stay well hydrated.
Eat light, nutritious meals.
Avoid alcohol during treatment.

💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life

Severe malaria requires hospitalization, so you will need to take time off work. Recovery may take several days to weeks. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you feel fully recovered.

🛑 When to Stop This Medicine

This medicine is given for a specific duration as determined by your doctor. Do not stop treatment early, even if you feel better, as the infection may recur. Your doctor will decide when to switch to oral therapy or stop treatment.

📅 Long-Term Use Effects

Long-term effects of artesunate are not well established, as it is typically used for a short duration. However, rare cases of liver or kidney problems have been reported. Follow-up with your doctor is recommended after treatment.

🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches

These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.

Artemether injection

Another injectable antimalarial that can be used for severe malaria.

Evidence: Well-established
Quinine injection

An older antimalarial that can be used if artesunate is not available.

Evidence: Well-established

💉 Vaccination Considerations

💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated

There are no specific vaccine interactions with this medicine. However, if you are due for a vaccine, inform your doctor.

📦 Storage Guide

✅ DO

Store at room temperature (15-30°C)

❌ DON'T

Do not refrigerate or 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 this medicine, carry it in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription. Store it at room temperature and protect it from light. Inform your doctor if you are traveling to areas where malaria is common, as prevention is better than treatment. Always consult a healthcare professional before traveling with injectable medicines.

💰 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 and received artesunate injection as prescribed. Within 24 hours, his fever subsided and parasite count dropped significantly. He completed the full course and recovered fully.
💡 Lesson: Early treatment with artesunate injection can be life-saving in severe malaria.
👤 A 28-year-old pregnant woman in her second trimester with severe malaria
She was treated with artesunate injection under close medical supervision. Both mother and baby remained safe, and she recovered without complications.
💡 Lesson: Artesunate is safe and effective for severe malaria in pregnancy when used under medical supervision.

💬 Questions Patients Often Ask

Q: How long does it take to work?

A: This medicine starts working within hours. Fever and parasite count usually improve within 24-48 hours.

Q: Can I take this medicine orally?

A: No, this medicine is given as an injection. Oral therapy may be started once you improve.

Q: Is this medicine safe for children?

A: Yes, it is safe for children when dosed by weight and given under medical supervision.

🤔 Common Patient Concerns

💭 These are the concerns patients most commonly raise

  • Can I take this medicine at home?
  • How long will I need to stay in the hospital?
  • Are there any long-term side effects?
  • Can I take this medicine if I am pregnant?
  • What should I do if I miss a dose?

🔄 Substitutes for rtsunate 120mg injection

View All

Alternative brands with exact same active ingredient:

Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.

🛑 Myths vs. Facts

  • Myth: This medicine can be used to prevent malaria.
    Fact: This medicine is only for treating severe malaria, not for prevention.
  • Myth: This medicine can be taken at home.
    Fact: This medicine must be given by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting.

🔄 Alternative Options

Generic Alternatives

  • Artesunate injection

Brand Alternatives

  • Falcigo 120mg injection

📊 Comparison with Similar Medicines

[{"medicine":"Artesunate injection","active_ingredient":"Artesunate","route":"Parenteral","primary_use":"Severe malaria"},{"medicine":"Artemether injection","active_ingredient":"Artemether","route":"Intramuscular","primary_use":"Severe malaria"}]

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