Efficacy and safety of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (Artekin) in Cambodian children and adults with uncomplicated falciparum malaria

Clin Infect Dis. 2002 Dec 15;35(12):1469-76. doi: 10.1086/344647. Epub 2002 Dec 2.

Abstract

The safety and efficacy of a novel combination of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) and piperaquine, Artekin (Holleykin Pharmaceuticals), were assessed in 106 patients (76 children and 30 adults) with uncomplicated falciparum malaria from 2 remote areas in Cambodia. Age-based doses were given at 0, 8, 24, and 32 h. Mean total DHA and piperaquine doses were 9.1 and 73.9 mg/kg, respectively, for children and 6.6 and 52.9 mg/kg for adults. All patients became aparasitemic within 72 h. Excluding the results for 1 child who died on day 4, there was a 96.9% 28-day cure rate (98.6% in children and 92.3% in adults). Patients who had recrudescent infection received low doses of Artekin. Side effects were reported by 22 patients (21%) but did not necessitate premature cessation of therapy. Although Artekin is a promising and inexpensive option for antimalarial therapy, further efficacy and pharmacokinetic studies are needed, especially for its use in children.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antimalarials / adverse effects
  • Antimalarials / therapeutic use*
  • Artemisinins / adverse effects
  • Artemisinins / therapeutic use*
  • Cambodia
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Malaria, Falciparum / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Quinolines / adverse effects
  • Quinolines / therapeutic use*
  • Sesquiterpenes / adverse effects
  • Sesquiterpenes / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antimalarials
  • Artemisinins
  • Quinolines
  • Sesquiterpenes
  • artenimol
  • piperaquine