Category: ANTI MALARIA
Product Description
Sumether® Injection contains Artemether 80 mg/mL, a fast-acting artemisinin derivative indicated for the treatment of acute and severe malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum and other susceptible Plasmodium species. Artemether rapidly reduces parasite biomass by generating free radicals within infected red blood cells, resulting in rapid parasite clearance.
Sumether® is administered by intramuscular (IM) injection and is recommended when oral therapy is not feasible, particularly in patients with vomiting or severe malaria. Once the patient can tolerate oral medication, treatment should be completed with an appropriate oral antimalarial regimen.
Indications
Sumether® Injection is indicated for:
- Initial treatment of severe and complicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum
- Treatment of acute malaria when oral therapy cannot be administered (e.g., persistent vomiting or impaired consciousness)
- Initial management of severe malaria before switching to a complete oral antimalarial regimen
- Malaria caused by susceptible Plasmodium species, in accordance with national treatment guidelines
Contraindications
Sumether® Injection is contraindicated in patients with:
- Known hypersensitivity to artemether, other artemisinin derivatives, or any component of the formulation.
- Mild or uncomplicated malaria where oral antimalarial therapy is appropriate.
- Intravenous administration (the product is intended for intramuscular use only).
Use with caution in patients with severe hepatic or renal impairment, cardiac conduction disorders, or during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester unless the benefits outweigh the risks.
Dosage and Administration
Sumether® is for intramuscular administration only.
Adults
- Initial dose: 3.2 mg/kg IM on Day 1.
- Maintenance dose: 1.6 mg/kg IM once daily on subsequent days until the patient can tolerate oral therapy.
Children
- The same weight-based dosing regimen applies:
- 3.2 mg/kg IM initially.
- Followed by 1.6 mg/kg IM once daily.
Treatment should be followed by a complete course of an effective oral antimalarial, preferably an artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), as soon as oral medication can be taken.
Key Features
- Fast-acting artemisinin derivative
- Rapid parasite clearance
- Intramuscular administration for patients unable to take oral medication
- Effective in the initial management of severe malaria
- Recommended transition to oral ACT after clinical improvement
- Trusted treatment option for hospital and emergency care