Artesunate Amodiaquine
Artesunate/amodiaquine (AS/AQ) is a fixed-dose combination medication used for the treatment of acute uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. It combines artesunate, a fast-acting artemisinin-derivative that rapidly clears parasites from the blood, with amodiaquine, a longer-acting quinoline companion drug that eliminates remaining parasites.
Dosage by Body Weight
Administered orally once daily for 3 consecutive days. Dosage is strictly based on body weight. Tablets should ideally be taken with a meal or a milky drink to optimize absorption and minimize gastrointestinal side effects. If vomiting occurs within 30 minutes of administration, a full repeat dose should be given.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy have not been established for infants weighing less than 4.5 kg.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 1 infant tablet (Artesunate 25 mg / Amodiaquine 67.5 mg)
- Frequency
- Once daily for 3 days
- Tracking Notes
- Disperse the tablet in a small amount of water for infants who cannot swallow tablets.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 1 infant/toddler tablet (Artesunate 25 mg / 67.5 mg or Artesunate 50 mg / 135 mg based on precise clinical weight thresholds)
- Frequency
- Once daily for 3 days
- Tracking Notes
- For children weighing 9 kg or above, transition to the higher strength (Artesunate 50 mg / Amodiaquine 135 mg) tablet.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 1 toddler tablet (Artesunate 50 mg / Amodiaquine 135 mg)
- Frequency
- Once daily for 3 days
- Tracking Notes
- The tablet can be crushed and mixed with water or sweet vehicle to mask the bitter taste.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 1 child/adult tablet (Artesunate 100 mg / Amodiaquine 270 mg)
- Frequency
- Once daily for 3 days
- Tracking Notes
- For children under 18 kg, a dose of Artesunate 50 mg / Amodiaquine 135 mg is typically used; children 18 kg and above should use the Artesunate 100 mg / Amodiaquine 270 mg strength.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not recommended | N/A | Safety and efficacy have not been established for infants weighing less than 4.5 kg. |
| 5-7 kg | 1 infant tablet (Artesunate 25 mg / Amodiaquine 67.5 mg) | Once daily for 3 days | Disperse the tablet in a small amount of water for infants who cannot swallow tablets. |
| 8-10 kg | 1 infant/toddler tablet (Artesunate 25 mg / 67.5 mg or Artesunate 50 mg / 135 mg based on precise clinical weight thresholds) | Once daily for 3 days | For children weighing 9 kg or above, transition to the higher strength (Artesunate 50 mg / Amodiaquine 135 mg) tablet. |
| 11-15 kg | 1 toddler tablet (Artesunate 50 mg / Amodiaquine 135 mg) | Once daily for 3 days | The tablet can be crushed and mixed with water or sweet vehicle to mask the bitter taste. |
| 16-20 kg | 1 child/adult tablet (Artesunate 100 mg / Amodiaquine 270 mg) | Once daily for 3 days | For children under 18 kg, a dose of Artesunate 50 mg / Amodiaquine 135 mg is typically used; children 18 kg and above should use the Artesunate 100 mg / Amodiaquine 270 mg strength. |
Formulation
Purpose
Treatment of uncomplicated malaria infections caused by Plasmodium falciparum.
Generic Name
Artesunate and AmodiaquineBranded Drug Names
Artesunate Amodiaquine is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.