DUO-COTECXIN® (Dihydroartemisinin 40mg and piperaquine phosphate 320 mg anhydrous basis) Tablets contains two active components called dihydroartemisinin and piperaquine phosphate, both of them belong to a group of medicines called “antimalarial”
This medicine is used to treat falciparum malaria and vivaxmalaria, particularly in case of resistance to other antimalarial
Pregnancy
The clinical data on the main components dihydroartemisinin and piperaquine are not sufficient to assess their safety during pregnancy. DUO-COTECXIN should not be used during pregnancy without medical supervision, especially during the first 3 months.
Breast feeding
In the absence of data regarding the excretion into breast milk of dihydroartemisinin and piperaquine, the use of this medicine is to be avoided by nursing mother.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.
When to take DUO-COTECXIN
Swallo the tablets with a little water after a meal. For young children, tablets can be crushed and given with some water. Medicines are given only once a day, a complete treatment is for 3 days.
Children, 6 months – 1 year: 0.5 tablet after Initial Diagnosis, another 0.5 tablet 24 hours and 48 hours. Total tablets taken should be 1 ½ in 3 days
Children, 2-7 years: 1 tablet after initial diagnosis, another 1 tablet 24 hours and 48 hours. Total tablets taken should be 3 in 3 days
Children, 8-13 years: 2 tablets after initial diagnosis, another 2 tablets 24 hours and 48 hours. Total tablets taken should be 6 in 3 days
Adult, 40 kg and above: 3 tablets after initial diagnosis, another 3 tablets 24 hours and 48 hours. Total tablets taken should be 9 in 3 days
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, DUO-COTECXIN® can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Rare intestinal tract disorders: nausea, diarrhea, anorexia
Rare allergic reactions: pruritus, cutaneous rash
In some cases, changes in laboratory tests may occur: decrease of reticulocytes and slight increase of liver enzymes. Usually, no clinical disorders are associated to these changes.
If any of the side effects get serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this article, please tell your doctor or pharmacist
