Chemical formula: C₁₆H₂₆O₅ Molecular mass: 298.375 g/mol PubChem compound: 68911
Based on animal data, artemether is suspected to cause serious birth defects when administered during the first trimester of pregnancy Reproductive studies with artemether have shown evidence of post-implantation losses and teratogenicity in rats and rabbits. Other artemisinin derivatives have also demonstrated teratogenic potential with an increased risk during early gestation.
Artemether treatment must not be used during the first trimester of pregnancy in situations where other suitable and effective antimalarials are available. However, it should not be withheld in life-threatening situations, where no other effective antimalarials are available. During the second and third trimester, treatment should only be considered if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the risk to the foetus.
Animal data suggest excretion into breast milk but no data are available in humans. Women taking artemether should not breast-feed during their treatment.
Women using oral, transdermal patch, or other systemic hormonal contraceptives should be advised to use an additional non-hormonal method of birth control for about one month.
There is no information on the effects of artemether on human fertility.
Patients receiving artemether should be warned that dizziness or fatigue/asthenia may occur in which case they should not drive or use machines.
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