Severe Adverse Drug Reactions to Artesunate and Artemisini-Based Antimalaria: A Case Report

Chinyelu Uchenna Ufoaroh¹, Chijioke Maxwell Ofomata², Victor Modekwe³, Kenneth Chigozie Enyi⁴, and Muforo Chika Collins⁵*

¹Department of Internal Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria
²Department of Forensic Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria
³Department of Surgery, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria
⁴Department of Internal Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
⁵Daystar Specialist Hospital, Nkwelle Ezunaka, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author: Chijioke Maxwell Ofomata, Department of Forensic Sciences. Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.

DOI: 10.64258/3069-7557.2025.103008

Submission Date: October 10, 2025

Published Date: October 28, 2025

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Abstract

Artesunate and artemisinin-based combination for malaria have been widely used for treatment of malaria in both endemic and non-endemic regions. The use of both drugs for the treatment of malaria has been very successful and has contributed towards malaria eradication globally. However, some adverse effects that were directly and indirectly linked to the use of both drugs have also been documented. These include: central nervous system involvement like agitation, confusion, coma from severe anaphylactic reaction, depression, dizziness, weakness, muscle twitching, and headache. Gastrointestinal symptoms like loss of appetite, vomiting of blood, yellowness of eyes and skin, stomach ache, nausea, vomiting and clay-coloured stool. Renal manifestations include reduced urine output, dark coloured urine and facial swelling. In this report, we discussed a case of a 66-year-old businessman of African descent who developed a series of drug reactions upon commencement of intravenous artesunate and artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) for malaria. The adverse effects occurred separately and at different intervals whenever any of the drugs was commenced on him and ranged from mild to severe anaphylactic reaction necessitating this report. This case report is, therefore, a subtle reminder that despite the tremendous benefits of both drugs in the treatment of malaria, they should be used with caution and carefully watch out for the adverse reactions when their use is deemed necessary.

Keywords

Anti-malarial medications, Artesunate, Dihydroartemisinin

Citation

Chinyelu UU, Chijioke MO, Victor M, Kenneth CE, Muforo CC (2025) Severe Adverse Drug Reactions to Artesunate and ArtemisiniBased Antimalaria: A Case Report. Ann Biotech & Biomed Sci 1(2): 1-5.