Publication: Comparison of oral artemether and mefloquine in acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria
Issued Date
1992-11-21
Resource Type
ISSN
01406736
Other identifier(s)
2-s2.0-0026494672
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Mahidol University
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SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
The Lancet. Vol.340, No.8830 (1992), 1245-1248
Suggested Citation
J. Karbwang, K. Na Bangchang, A. Thanavibul, D. Bunnag, T. Chongsuphajaisiddhi, T. Harinasuta Comparison of oral artemether and mefloquine in acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria. The Lancet. Vol.340, No.8830 (1992), 1245-1248. doi:10.1016/0140-6736(92)92947-E Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/22368
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Title
Comparison of oral artemether and mefloquine in acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria
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Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Thailand is highly resistant to available antimalarials, and alternative drugs are needed urgently. Artemether is effective against falciparum malaria but associated with a high recrudescence rate. The proper dosage regimen remains to be defined. We have done a clinical trial comparing mefloquine 1250 mg in divided doses with oral artemether at 700 mg total dose given over 5 days in acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria. 46 patients, admitted to the Bangkok Hospital for Tropical Diseases, were randomised to receive either mefloquine (12) or artemether (34). Hospital follow-up was 28 days for the artemether group and 42 days for the mefloquine group. Oral artemether gave a significantly faster parasite clearance time than mefloquine (30 vs 64 h), and a significantly better cure rate (97 vs 64%) with fewer episodes of dizziness and vomiting. Oral artemether at 700 mg given over 5 days is effective and well tolerated. The cure rate with this regimen is higher than that reported by previous studies with 600 mg intramuscular artemether given over 5 days. Oral artemether can be considered as an alternative drug for multiple-drug-resistant falciparum malaria. © 1992.