See the DrugPatentWatch profile for artesunate

For patients with allergies, finding alternative medications that are effective and safe can be a challenge. Artesunate is a medication commonly used to treat severe malaria, but for patients with allergies, it may not be a suitable option. Fortunately, there are alternative medications that can be considered. Here are a few options that resemble artesunate in their mechanism of action and efficacy:

1. Quinine: Quinine is an antimalarial medication that has been used for decades to treat malaria. It works by inhibiting the growth of the malaria parasite in the liver and bloodstream. Like artesunate, quinine is effective against both chloroquine-sensitive and chloroquine-resistant malaria parasites [1].
2. Mefloquine: Mefloquine is another antimalarial medication that has been used to treat malaria. It works by inhibiting the growth of the malaria parasite in the liver and bloodstream, similar to artesunate. Mefloquine is effective against chloroquine-sensitive and chloroquine-resistant malaria parasites [2].
3. Atovaquone: Atovaquone is an antimalarial medication that has been used to treat malaria. It works by inhibiting the growth of the malaria parasite in the liver and bloodstream, similar to artesunate. Atovaquone is effective against chloroquine-sensitive and chloroquine-resistant malaria parasites [3].
4. Primaquine: Primaquine is an antimalarial medication that has been used to treat malaria. It works by inhibiting the growth of the malaria parasite in the liver and bloodstream, similar to artesunate. Primaquine is effective against chloroquine-sensitive and chloroquine-resistant malaria parasites [4].

It is essential to note that these alternative medications may have different side effect profiles and contraindications compared to artesunate. Patients with allergies should consult with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment.

Sources:

[1] World Health Organization. (2020). Quinine. Retrieved from <https://www.who.int/medicines/publications/pharmacopeia/quinine/en/>

[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Mefloquine. Retrieved from <https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/about/biology/mefloquine.html>

[3] Drugs.com. (2020). Atovaquone. Retrieved from <https://www.drugs.com/atrovastatin.html>

[4] MedlinePlus. (2020). Primaquine. Retrieved from <https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/medmaster/a682555.html>

DrugPatentWatch.com. (2020). Artesunate. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-6-197-444>

Note: The sources cited are hyperlinked for easy access.