Dihydroartemisinin (Dihydroartemisinin)
Overview of Dihydroartemisinin
Dihydroartemisinin has strong schizonticidal action, but has no effect on exoerythrocytic, sporogony and gametocyte fonns and is used as antimalarial drug. Dihydroartemisinin, is a drug with biological action of Artesunate and Artemether. Active mechanism of Dihydroartemisinin has not been known fully. Some researches suggest that the drug concentrates selectively into cells contracted by parasites and reacts with hemin (hemozoin), to kill the parasites. This reaction produces poisonous free radicals that can destroy membranes of parasites in vitro.
Indication of Dihydroartemisinin
Dihydroartemisinin is primarily indicated in conditions like Malaria, Malaria caused by plasmodium falciparum.
Contraindication of Dihydroartemisinin
No data regarding the contra indications of Dihydroartemisinin is available.
Side Effects of Dihydroartemisinin
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Dihydroartemisinin, which give rise to further complications include Neutropenia, ECG abnormalities, Prolongation of QI interval.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Dihydroartemisinin are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Arthralgia, Abdominal distress, Neutropenia, Pyrexia.
Precautions of Dihydroartemisinin
Do not take in first trimester of pregnancy and in children less then 5 Kg weight.