See the DrugPatentWatch profile for artesunate

Artesunate is a medication used to treat severe malaria, including chloroquine-resistant strains [1]. It is a rapidly acting antimalarial drug that is often used in combination with other antimalarial drugs [1]. However, there is limited information available on the specific effects of artesunate on pregnancy and pregnancy complications.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no evidence of increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes when artesunate is used for the treatment of malaria in pregnancy [2]. The WHO recommends the use of artesunate-based combination therapies for the treatment of malaria in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy [2].

However, it is important to note that the use of artesunate in the first trimester of pregnancy has not been well studied, and the WHO recommends that artesunate should only be used in the first trimester if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks [2].

Additionally, it is important to consider the potential risks of untreated malaria in pregnancy, which can include maternal anemia, stillbirth, and low birth weight [3].

In summary, based on the available information, there is no evidence of increased risk of pregnancy complications when artesunate is used for the treatment of malaria in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. However, the use of artesunate in the first trimester should be carefully considered, and the potential benefits should outweigh the potential risks.

Sources:

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. Artesunate. <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/artesunate>.
2. World Health Organization. Guidelines for the treatment of malaria. 3rd edition. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2015. <https://www.who.int/malaria/publications/atoz/9789240035962/en/>
3. World Health Organization. Malaria in pregnancy. <https://www.who.int/malaria/areas/high_risk_groups/pregnancy/en/>