Rectal administration of artemisinin derivatives for the treatment of malaria

Abstract

Context: Rectal administration of artemisinin derivatives is a potentially lifesaving emergency treatment of severe malaria. Many different preparations are marketed in tropical countries, but their pharmacokinetic disposition and clinical efficacy may vary. Objective: To review the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of rectally administered artesunate, artemisinin, dihydroartemisinin, and artemether. Data Sources: We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Clinical Reviews, Global Health, Web of Science, and CINAHL computerized databases up to December 2006, along with reviewing unpublished data from conference proceedings, pharmaceutical companies, and regulatory application..