Artemether, with the Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) number 71963-77-4, is a pharmaceutical substance used primarily in the treatment of malaria. It is a synthetic derivative of artemisinin, a compound derived from the Chinese herb Artemisia annua. Artemether is classified as an antimalarial agent and belongs to the class of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs).

Artemether is available in various pharmaceutical forms, including oral tablets and injection formulations. It is rapidly absorbed and converted into its active metabolite dihydroartemisinin in the body. This metabolite works by interacting with the heme moiety of hemoglobin, leading to the generation of toxic free radicals within malaria parasites, ultimately resulting in their destruction.

As a highly effective antimalarial, artemether is recommended for uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. It is often used in combination with other antimalarial drugs, such as lumefantrine, to maximize efficacy and reduce the risk of re