Artemisinin-based suppositories
Use of rectal artemisinin-based suppositories in the management of severe malaria Report of a WHO Informal Consultation, 27-28 March 2006
Overview
The conclusions of this Report indicate that artemisinin-based suppositories, particularly artesunate and artemisinin suppositories, are safe and efficacious for pre-referral treatment of severe malaria. The clinical evidence provided by the data analysed is overwhelmingly in favour of their use because they rapidly eliminate parasites and are safe, although there is not yet proof that such an intervention reduces mortality.
Most of the clinical data are derived from studies conducted using artemisinin and artesunate suppositories. This safety and efficacy information cannot, therefore, yet be extrapolated to suppositories containing other artemisinin derivatives and those of different formulations.