ATC Group: P01BE Artemisinin and derivatives

Artemether is an antimalarial agent used to treat acute uncomplicated malaria. It is administered in combination with lumefantrine for improved efficacy. This combination therapy exerts its effects against the erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium spp. and may be used to treat infections caused by P. falciparum and unidentified Plasmodium species, including infections acquired in chloroquine-resistant areas.

Artemisinin is used in the treatment of malaria due to species Plasmodium.

Artemotil, also known as β-arteether, is a semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin and a fast acting blood schizonticide specifically indicated for the treatment of chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria and cerebral malaria cases.

Artenimol is an artemisinin derivative and antimalarial agent used in the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum infections. Artemisinin combination therapy is highly effective against malaria.

Artesunate is a semi-synthetic artemisinin derivative, indicated for the initial treatment of severe malaria in adults and children. The antimalarial mechanism of action of artesunate is generally thought to depend upon activation involving iron-mediated cleavage of the endoperoxide bridge of DHA to generate an unstable organic free radical followed by alkylation, where the free radical binds to malarial proteins leading to destruction of parasite membranes.