Intramuscular injection of artemether recommended by WHO as an alternative treatment option in absence of injectable artesunate

WHO recommendation:

Intramuscular injection of artemether is recommended by the WHO as an alternative treatment option when injectable artesunate is not available. Artemether is dissolved in oil and therefore may be absorbed more slowly and erratically than artesunate; thus, it is recommended only if injectable artesunate is not available. Injectable artemether should be given for at least 24 hours and until a patient can tolerate a full course of oral ACT therapy. Use of injectable artemether is recommended in preference over injectable quinine.

Learn more about injectable arthemether

Medicines for Malaria Venture's position:

Organisations such as MMV, who are at the forefront of the fight against severe malaria, welcome the availability of a WHO prequalified Inj Artemether 80mg product, which may be useful when Inj AS is not available. MMV is working with its partners to make Inj AS more widely available.

Visit the World Heath Organisation page for more information on injectable arthemether as a treatment option.