Efficacy and safety of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (Artekin) in Cambodian children and adults with uncomplicated falciparum malaria.
The safety and efficacy of a novel combination of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) and piperaquine, Artekin (Holleykin Pharmaceuticals), were assessed in 106 patients (76 children and 30 adults) with uncomplicated falciparum malaria from 2 remote areas in Cambodia. Age-based doses were given at 0, 8, 24, and 32 h. Mean total DHA and piperaquine doses were 9.1 and 73.9 mg/kg, respectively, for children and 6.6 and 52.9 mg/kg for adults. All patients became aparasitemic within 72 h. Excluding the results for 1 child who died on day 4, there was a 96.9% 28-day cure rate (98.6% in children and 92.3% in adults). Patients who had recrudescent infection received low doses of Artekin. Side effects were reported by 22 patients (21%) but did not necessitate premature cessation of therapy. Although Artekin is a promising and inexpensive option for antimalarial therapy, further efficacy and pharmacokinetic studies are needed, especially for its use in children.
Denis
Mey Bouth
MB
European Commission, Cambodia Malaria Control Programme, and National Malaria Centre, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Davis
Timothy M E
TM
Hewitt
Sean
S
Incardona
Sandra
S
Nimol
Khim
K
Fandeur
Thierry
T
Poravuth
Yi
Y
Lim
Chiv
C
Socheat
Doung
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000962:Antimalarials / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D037621:Artemisinins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002160:Cambodia; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D016778:Malaria, Falciparum / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D011804:Quinolines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012717:Sesquiterpenes / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D010879:Piperazines
D000962:Antimalarials; D037621:Artemisinins; D011804:Quinolines; D012717:Sesquiterpenes; C039060:artenimol; C034759:piperaquine; D010879:Piperazines