Side Effects of Artemisinin

Artemisinin is medication available for the treatment of certain parasitic infections, as well as malaria. Artemisinin is often used to treat particularly difficult strains of malaria that have developed a resistance to other medications. Certain side effects of Artemisinin are common among users.

Dosage

• Artemisinin is administered orally in tablet form. The usual dosage of Artemisinin is one tablet of 100 mg daily, but can be as many as 600 mg per day, if the treatment is for a particularly difficult strain of malaria. It is preferred that you take Artemisinin before a meal on an empty stomach.

Side Effects

• Certain side effects have been experienced by users of Artemisinin. Artemisinin side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, frequent sweating through the night, feeling tired, pain in the muscles or joints and gastrointestinal problems (stomach upset, reflux and stomach pain). Inform your physician right away if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms or side effects after taking Artemisinin.

Treatment

• Artemisinin is currently used to help treat difficult strands of parasitic infections, including malaria. It is also being researched at the University of Washington for the prevention of cancerous diseases. The World Health Organization has approved this medication for the treatment of malaria.

Interactions

• Some medications can cause an interaction which will cause Artemisinin to be less effective, or cause side effects to be more severe. Iron supplements can cause an interaction with Artemisinin and should be avoided while taking Artemisinin. Vitamin C should also be avoided, as it can cause Artemisinin to become less able to be absorbed into your system.

Avoid

• Artemisinin should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women unless the malaria is severe and life-threatening. Artemisinin should not be taken in the first trimester of pregnancy at all.