Chemical formula:
C19H28O8
![Structure of Artesunate](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c7082f_dff5fa7550e046e294dc9f4d9e148e23~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_931,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/c7082f_dff5fa7550e046e294dc9f4d9e148e23~mv2.png)
Mechanism of action:
Artesunate is a semisynthetic derivative of artemisinin, a sesquiterpene lactone.
It rapidly kills Plasmodium parasites by generating reactive oxygen species that damage their cellular structures.
Uses:
Artesunate is used in combination with other antimalarial drugs as part of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) for the treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria.
It is also used for severe malaria treatment, particularly in intravenous form.
Side effects:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
abdominal pain
headache
dizziness
and rash.
Rare but serious side effects include delayed haemolysis, neutropenia, and hepatotoxicity.