Artesunate Tablet

Artesunate, a well known derivative of artemisinin, is a potential drug for treatment of Babesia infection

Composition.Each uncoated chewable tablet contains Artesunate IP 250mg

Dosage:12 5mg/kg b. wt once daily for 10 days through oral route

Pharmacodynamics: The action of artesunate is generally thought to depend upon activation involving iron-mediated cleavage of the endoperoxide bridge of DHA to generate an unstable organic free radical followed by alkylation, where the free radical binds to parasite proteins leading to destruction of parasite membranes

Pharmacokinetics: Artesunate is a water soluble derivative of artemisinin. It is rapidly absorbed and extensively, and almost completely hydrolysed to its active metabolite DHA before reaching the systemic circulation. The absorption of DHA after an oral dosing of artesunate, takes about an hour. The elimination half-life of artesunate is less than 3 hours and that of DHA is less than 1 hour (-45 minutes) with oral dosing of artesunate. The bioavailability of oral artesunate is up to 60%.

Indications:

ARTEBABE is indicated with combination drugs for the treatment of Relapsing Babesiosis in Dogs. The combination drugs include ARTEBABE, ATAVON-PRO & MACROZEE for treatment of Relapsing Babesiosis in Dogs and ARTEBABE, ATAVON-PRO, MACROZEE and IMIDOPET for the treatment of Tick Fever caused by mixed infection due to B. canis, B. gibsoni, E. canis, A. platys and H. canis.

Directions for Use: Use either whole tablet or split it as required for administration.

Mode of action: Artesunate acts by inhibiting heme polymerization, generating ROS, destabilizing parasite membrane, alkylating proteins and inhibiting PfATP6.

Side effects: Side effects of artesunate include vomiting, soft faeces, decreasedactivity, anorexia and splenic red pulp vacuolation The tablet may be fed by hand or placed on food. Open the animal’s mouth gently and slowly administer the tablet. Care should be taken to ensure that the dog consumes the complete dose. Coughing may be observed in some animals during and for several minutes following administration. Avoid over- or under-dosing.

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Keep the medicine out of reach of children.