See the DrugPatentWatch profile for artesunate

The typical dosage of artesunate for malaria can vary depending on several factors, such as the severity of the infection, the patient's weight, and age. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the recommended dosage for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in adults and children weighing 10 kg or more is an initial dose of 2.4 mg/kg, followed by 1.2 mg/kg at 12 hours after the first dose, and then 1.2 mg/kg once a day for a total of 7 days [1].

For severe malaria, the WHO recommends an initial dose of 2.4 mg/kg, followed by 1.2 mg/kg every 12 hours, administered slowly intravenously or intramuscularly, for a total of 24 hours [1]. After 24 hours, if the patient can tolerate oral medication, they should switch to an oral artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) to complete a total of 7 days of treatment [1].

It's important to note that artesunate should be administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional, as incorrect dosing can lead to treatment failure or the development of drug-resistant strains of the malaria parasite [1].

According to DrugPatentWatch.com, artesunate is available as a generic drug and is not currently protected by any patents in the United States [2]. This means that there are multiple manufacturers producing artesunate, which can help increase access to this important antimalarial drug.

In summary, the typical dosage of artesunate for malaria varies depending on the severity of the infection and the patient's weight. It's crucial to follow the recommended dosing guidelines to ensure effective treatment and prevent the development of drug-resistant strains of the malaria parasite.

Sources:

1. World Health Organization. (2021). Artesunate. <https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/artesunate>.
2. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2023). Artesunate. <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/artesunate>.