Review of the clinical pharmacokinetics of artesunate and its active metabolite dihydroartemisinin following intravenous, intramuscular, oral or rectal administration
2011

Review of Artesunate Pharmacokinetics

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Morris Carrie A, Duparc Stephan, Borghini-Fuhrer Isabelle, Jung Donald, Shin Chang-Sik, Fleckenstein Lawrence

Primary Institution: University of Iowa College of Pharmacy

Hypothesis

What are the pharmacokinetics of artesunate and its active metabolite dihydroartemisinin following different administration routes?

Conclusion

The review indicates that intravenous artesunate administration results in significantly higher peak concentrations compared to other routes, with rapid metabolism to dihydroartemisinin.

Supporting Evidence

  • Intravenous artesunate leads to rapid peak concentrations of the drug.
  • Oral administration of artesunate shows high bioavailability of its active metabolite.
  • Pharmacokinetics can vary significantly based on the route of administration.
  • Pregnancy may alter the pharmacokinetics of artesunate and dihydroartemisinin.
  • Drug interactions with artesunate are generally minimal.

Takeaway

Artesunate is a medicine for malaria that works quickly, especially when given through an IV. It turns into another medicine called dihydroartemisinin in the body.

Methodology

The review summarizes findings from various studies on the pharmacokinetics of artesunate and dihydroartemisinin after different administration methods.

Potential Biases

Differences in assay sensitivities and sampling schedules could introduce bias in the pharmacokinetic findings.

Limitations

Variability in study methodologies and patient demographics may affect the comparability of pharmacokinetic results.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1475-2875-10-263

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