Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine
Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine is a fixed-dose artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) used for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. Dihydroartemisinin acts rapidly to kill the blood-stage parasites, while piperaquine is a long-acting bisquinoline that eliminates remaining parasites and provides post-treatment prophylaxis.
Dosage by Body Weight
Administered once daily for 3 consecutive days. Should be taken with water, at least 3 hours before or after a meal, as fat increases the absorption of piperaquine which may increase the risk of QT prolongation.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy have not been fully established in infants weighing less than 5 kg.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 1 paediatric tablet (20 mg Dihydroartemisinin / 160 mg Piperaquine Phosphate)
- Frequency
- Once daily for 3 consecutive days
- Tracking Notes
- Take on an empty stomach. If vomiting occurs within 30 minutes of administration, re-dose.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 1 paediatric tablet (20 mg Dihydroartemisinin / 160 mg Piperaquine Phosphate)
- Frequency
- Once daily for 3 consecutive days
- Tracking Notes
- Ensure the child completes the full 3-day course even if symptoms resolve earlier.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 1 adult tablet (40 mg Dihydroartemisinin / 320 mg Piperaquine Phosphate)
- Frequency
- Once daily for 3 consecutive days
- Tracking Notes
- May also be administered as 2 paediatric tablets if adult tablets are unavailable.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 1.5 adult tablets (60 mg Dihydroartemisinin / 480 mg Piperaquine Phosphate)
- Frequency
- Once daily for 3 consecutive days
- Tracking Notes
- Dose adjusted for weight band 17 to <25 kg according to standard WHO guidelines.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed | Safety and efficacy have not been fully established in infants weighing less than 5 kg. |
| 5-7 kg | 1 paediatric tablet (20 mg Dihydroartemisinin / 160 mg Piperaquine Phosphate) | Once daily for 3 consecutive days | Take on an empty stomach. If vomiting occurs within 30 minutes of administration, re-dose. |
| 8-10 kg | 1 paediatric tablet (20 mg Dihydroartemisinin / 160 mg Piperaquine Phosphate) | Once daily for 3 consecutive days | Ensure the child completes the full 3-day course even if symptoms resolve earlier. |
| 11-15 kg | 1 adult tablet (40 mg Dihydroartemisinin / 320 mg Piperaquine Phosphate) | Once daily for 3 consecutive days | May also be administered as 2 paediatric tablets if adult tablets are unavailable. |
| 16-20 kg | 1.5 adult tablets (60 mg Dihydroartemisinin / 480 mg Piperaquine Phosphate) | Once daily for 3 consecutive days | Dose adjusted for weight band 17 to <25 kg according to standard WHO guidelines. |
Formulation
Purpose
Treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria, including multidrug-resistant strains.
Generic Name
Dihydroartemisinin / Piperaquine PhosphateBranded Drug Names
Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine 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.