Combination of | |
---|---|
Artesunate | Antimalarial |
Pyronaridine | Antimalarial |
Clinical data | |
Trade names | Pyramax [1] |
Other names | Artesunate/pyronaridine tetraphosphate [1] |
Routes of administration | By mouth [2] |
ATC code | |
Identifiers | |
CAS Number |
Artesunate/pyronaridine, sold under the brand name Pyramax, is a fixed-dose combination medication for the treatment of malaria. [3] [1] It can be used for malaria of both the P. falciparum and P. vivax types. [1] It combines artesunate and pyronaridine. [3] It is taken by mouth. [2]
The combination is generally well tolerated. [1] Side effects may include headache, vomiting, or cough. [1] Use in those with severe liver disease or kidney disease is not recommended. [2] Use is not generally recommended in early pregnancy. [2] However, there are no other options and if treatment may save the mother's life it may be used. [2] The two components work by different mechanisms. [2]
It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. [3]
Artesunate/pyronaridine is used for malaria of both the P. falciparum and P. vivax types. [1] It is not recommended for severe disease. [2]
A 2019 review (updated in 2021) found that the combination compared well to artemether/lumefantrine. [4] Benefits also appear similar to mefloquine together with artesunate. [4] It is not recommended for the prevention of malaria. [2]
There is some in vitro evidence that suggests artesunate/pyronaridine may be worthy of clinical trial study to determine whether it might have a role as a drug for COVID-19 treatment. [5]