Early rectal artesunate is more effective at reducing parasite density compared with intramuscular quinine in people with moderately severe malaria

Abstract

SummaryQuestionDoes early administration of rectal artesunate provide an initial clinically beneficial antimalarial cover, without serious adverse reactions in children and adults with moderately severe malaria in Africa?Study DesignTwo randomised controlled trials.Main ResultsRectal artesunate was significantly more effective at reducing median parasitaemia rates compared with intramuscular quinine injection at 12 and 24 hours in children and adults with moderately severe malaria (see Results table).Authors’ ConclusionsA single rectal dose of artesunate within the initial 24 hours of treatment was more effective at reducing median parasite density compared with intramuscular quinine in children and adults with moderately severe malaria.