Dosage of Ibakwik Softgel

This is a Prescription-Only Medicine (POM).

• Take as directed by the pharmacist or physician. The dosage is strictly based on the patient's body weight and must be administered over three consecutive days.

Proper Administration

• Administration: Swallow the softgel whole with water. The softgel may be crushed and mixed with water for patients (like infants and young children) unable to swallow the capsule whole. The mixture must be used immediately.
• Best Time to Take: Ibakwik Softgel should be taken without food. Each dose should be taken at the same time each day for three consecutive days, no less than 3 hours after the last food intake. Crucially, no food should be taken within 3 hours after each dose.

Missed Dose Guidance: If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as realized, and the recommended regimen continued until the full three-day course of treatment has been completed.

Contraindications of Ibakwik Softgel

• Cardiac Conditions: Do NOT administer to patients with a family history or known cardiac disorders (e.g., congenital QT prolongation, cardiac arrhythmia, severe hypertension, congestive cardiac failure) due to the risk of QT interval prolongation.
• Electrolyte Disturbances: Contraindicated in patients with uncorrected electrolyte disturbances, particularly low potassium (hypokalaemia), low calcium (hypocalcaemia), or low magnesium (hypomagnesaemia).
• Known Allergies: Do NOT take if you have a known allergy to artemisinin or piperaquine or any components of the softgel.
• Pregnancy (First Trimester): Use during the first trimester of pregnancy is generally avoided unless no other suitable or effective antimalarial is available.

Side Effects of Ibakwik Softgel

• Common Side Effects (Mild and Expected): Mild gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort), headache, or dizziness.
• Serious but Rare Side Effects (That May Require Medical Attention): Cardiac disorders (e.g., QT prolongation, tachycardia - fast heartbeat). Seek immediate medical attention if you experience palpitations, chest pain, or fainting.

Precautions and Warnings of Ibakwik Softgel

• ECG Monitoring: Physicians may consider obtaining an Electrocardiogram (ECG) from all patients, especially those with underlying risk factors, before the last dose and 4–6 hours afterwards, to monitor the QT interval.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor immediately if you are taking any other medications that prolong the QT interval (e.g., antiarrhythmics, certain antibiotics like macrolides or fluoroquinolones, other antimalarials like quinine, chloroquine, or mefloquine), as combination use is strictly forbidden.
• Hepatic/Renal Impairment: Administer with caution to patients over 60 years of age or those with impaired kidney or liver function.
• Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Use only if the expected benefit outweighs the potential risk. Seek professional medical guidance before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

• Pack Size: Typically 1 x 10's (in blister pack) or similar pack sizes to accommodate the 3-day course.
• Form: Soft Gelatin Capsule.
• Active Ingredients: Artemisinin 62.5 mg and Piperaquine Phosphate 375 mg.