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Artesunate

Chemical Structure / Formula

  • Formula: C19H28O8

  • Structure: A semisynthetic derivative of artemisinin, containing a lactone endoperoxide bridge.

Artesunate

Mechanism of Action

  • Produces free radicals by reacting with iron in Plasmodium-infected RBCs, leading to parasite death.

Uses

  • First-line treatment for severe malaria (P. falciparum).

  • Used in artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACTs).

Side Effects

  • Transient neutropenia, dizziness, nausea.

  • Hemolysis in some patients (post-treatment hemolysis syndrome).


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