Dihydroartemisinin and Piperaquine Phosphate

Antimalarial · 4-piperazinoquinoline derivative/Artemisinin

Indications

Prophylaxis and treatment of malaria.

Dosage

Adults and Children: < 6 mth or < 5 kg: Not recommended. Over 6 mth: 7-13 kg: Half tab, 13-24 kg: 1 tab, 24-36 kg: 2 tab, 36-75 kg: 3 tab, 75-100 kg: 4 tab, > 100 kg: No dose recommendations given. All once daily, 3 hrs before or 3 hrs after food, for 3 days. Max 2 courses in 12 mth separated by atleast 2 mth.

Adverse Effects

Abdominal pain, anorexia, diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, palpitation, prolonged QT interval, cough, headache, dizziness, asthaenia, sleep disturbances, paresthesia, arthralgia, myalgia, pruritus, rash, infection, blood dyscrasias, GI upset, arrhythmia, fever, dermatitis, conjunctivitis.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: History of arrhythmias, of clinical relevant bradycardia and of congestive heart failure accompanied by reduced ventricular ejection fraction; family history of sudden death or of congenital QT interval prolongation. Left ventricular hypertrophy, severe hypertension, electrolyte imbalance, severe malaria. Precautions: Electrolyte disturbances, concomitant use with other drugs known to cause QT-interval prolongation, monitor patients unable to take food (greater risk of recrudescence). Dizziness may affect performance. Monitor ECG. Moderate to severe hepatic or renal impairment; monitor blood potassium. Vomiting in young children. Elderly.

Interactions

Inhibitors, inducers and substrates of CYP3A4, substrates of CYP2C19, CYP2E1 and CYP1A2, grapefruit juice, drugs that prolong QT interval.

Pharmacokinetics

DIHYDROARTEMISININ: Absorption: Rapid. Half-life elimination: 0.9-2.9 hrs. Time to peak, plasma: Adults: 0.5-15 mins. PIPERAQUINE PHOSPHATE: Absorption: Slowly absorbed. Metabolism: Hepatic. Half-life elimination: Adults: 22 days. Children: 20 days. Time to peak, plasma: 5 hrs. Excretion: Faeces (mainly). Urine (negligible amount).

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.