Agaba Tab (artemisinin-piperaquine)

Artemisinin-piperaquine?(also known as?DHA/PPQ) is a combination medication used in the treatment of malaria.?It combines?dihydroartemisinin (DHA), derived from?Artemisia annua, a traditional Chinese medicinal treatment for fever, with?piperaquine, an antimalarial drug that remains in the body for up to 60 days. Here are some key details about this medication:

Therapeutic Action: Artemisinin-piperaquine is an antimalarial drug used for the following purposes:

Treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria.
Treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by other Plasmodium species when chloroquine cannot be used.
Completion treatment following parenteral therapy for severe malaria.

Forms and Strengths: It is available in co-formulated tablets containing dihydroartemisinin (DHA) and piperaquine (PPQ). There are several blister pack options:

20 mg DHA/160 mg PPQ tablets (blister pack of 3 tablets).
40 mg DHA/320 mg PPQ tablets (blister pack of 3, 6, 9, or 12 tablets)
62.5 mg DHA/375 mg PPQ tablets (blister pack of 4 tablets)

Dosage and Duration:

For children weighing 5 to < 25 kg: DHA (2.5 to 10 mg/kg daily) + PPQ (20 to 32 mg/kg daily). For children ? 25 kg and adults: DHA (2 to 10 mg/kg daily) + PPQ (16 to 27 mg/kg daily). Tablets are taken once daily for 3 days. Contraindications and Precautions: Avoid administering to patients with cardiac disorders (bradycardia, heart rhythm issues, congestive heart failure). Do not combine with drugs that prolong the QT interval (e.g., amiodarone, other antimalarials, antipsychotics). Use with caution in patients > 60 years or with renal/hepatic impairment.
Possible adverse effects include cardiac disorders (QT prolongation, tachycardia), gastrointestinal disturbances, pruritus, hepatic disorders, joint/muscle pain.
Monitor interactions with antiretrovirals and enzyme inducers

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: No contraindications