Potential long-term toxicity of repeated orally administered doses of artemether in rats.

Shuhua Xiao Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai.

Search for other papers by Shuhua Xiao in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Yuanqing Yang Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai.

Search for other papers by Yuanqing Yang in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Qiqing You Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai.

Search for other papers by Qiqing You in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Jürg Utzinger Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai.

Search for other papers by Jürg Utzinger in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Huifang Guo Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai.

Search for other papers by Huifang Guo in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Jiao Peiying Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai.

Search for other papers by Jiao Peiying in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Jinying Mei Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai.

Search for other papers by Jinying Mei in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Jian Guo Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai.

Search for other papers by Jian Guo in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Robert Bergquist Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai.

Search for other papers by Robert Bergquist in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
, and
Marcel Tanner Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai.

Search for other papers by Marcel Tanner in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.2002.66.30
Volume/Issue:
Volume 66: Issue 1
Page(s):
30–34
Restricted access
Get Permissions

Artemether, an efficacious antimalarial drug, effectively prevents patent schistosome infections and morbidity, as established in laboratory models and in clinical trials. In view of concern about the potential long-term toxicity, rats were treated orally with 80 mg/kg artemether once every 2 weeks for 5 months. After the final treatment, routine blood test results were normal except for reversible reductions of reticulocyte counts and reversible increases in hemoglobin levels. Liver and kidney function and histopathological examination showed no differences between treated and untreated rats. Administration of 400 mg/kg artemether resulted in transient focal vesicle degeneration of the liver or slight damage to the proprius layer lamina of intestinal villi. No damage to the central nervous system tissues, including cerebrum, cerebellum, midbrain, thalamus, pons, medulla oblongata, and spinal cord, was seen at either concentration. There were no alterations in electrocardiograms during the 6-month treatment period. We conclude that 80 mg/kg artemether administered once every 2 weeks is safe, and doses of 400 mg/kg do not result in evidence of neurotoxicology.

Published Online:
Jan 2002
Cover The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Print ISSN:
0002-9637
Past two years Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 41 41 7
Full Text Views 383 103 1
PDF Downloads 81 27 0
 
Membership Banner
 
 
 
Affiliate Membership Banner
 
 
Research for Health Information Banner
 
 
CLOCKSS
 
 
 
Society Publishers Coalition Banner
Save