Posted 12/10/2012 7:39 PM (GMT 0)
Evening all,
I have a question about artesunate - I am reading conflicting information about
dose rate and the need and reason for pulsing.
On the one hand my doc is advocating 80 mg per day in 4 doses everyday (ie 20 mg 4 times).
Cheney and Myhill on the other hand are advocating 100-200mg twice daily for one
week, then go to a maintenance dose of 100-200mgs alternate days, gradually
tailing off until there is clinical improvement and stability.
Now I understand artesunate is being used for a variety of conditions -
including malaria, babesia and viruses. Malarial treatments are often pulsed
presumably due to specificities of the microbe. Cheney is suggesting pulsing
will reduce the incidence of hepatotoxicity although this seems rare and the
safety record of artesunate is good. I have also come across information
suggesting when used continuously the body adapts and artesunate becomes
ineffective.
Additionally what is the situation with taking antioxidants with artesunate. Can
I still take antioxidants but away from the artesunate or should I stop them
completely? Indeed is there an interaction at all?
Thoughts greatly appreciated.
Hugh