Indications & Uses
Malfan is indicated for:
Pharmacology
This preparation contains Artemether and Lumefantrine in a fixed ratio of 1:6. Artemether is derived from the naturally occurring substance Artemisinin, while Lumefantrine is a synthetic racemic fluorine compound belonging to the aryl amino alcohol family, the same family as other anti-malarials such as quinine, mefloquine, and halofantrine. Both components act within the food vacuoles of malarial parasites, where they are thought to interfere with the conversion of haem (a toxic intermediate formed during the breakdown of haemoglobin) into the non-toxic pigment haemozoin. Lumefantrine appears to interfere with the polymerization process, while Artemether generates reactive metabolites through interaction between its peroxide bridge and haem iron. Both drugs also have a secondary action, inhibiting nucleic acid and protein synthesis within the malarial parasites. This combination has not been found to induce resistance. It is active against the blood stages of Plasmodium vivax but does not act against hypnozoites, so sequential treatment with primaquine is needed to achieve hypnozoite eradication.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Patients with acute malaria often have little appetite. This medicine should be taken with high fat food or a drink such as milk. If vomiting occurs within 1 hour of taking a dose, the dose should be repeated.
Adults and children weighing 35 kg and above: the standard course runs 3 days with a total of 6 doses. Take 4 tablets as a single dose at the time of initial diagnosis, another 4 tablets after eight hours, then 4 tablets twice daily, morning and evening, on each of the following two days. The full course comprises 24 tablets.
5 kg to under 15 kg body weight: take 1 tablet at the time of initial diagnosis, 1 tablet again after 8 hours, then 1 tablet twice daily, morning and evening, on each of the following two days. The full course comprises 6 tablets.
15 kg to under 25 kg body weight: take 2 tablets as a single dose at the time of initial diagnosis, 2 tablets again after 8 hours, then 2 tablets twice daily, morning and evening, on each of the following two days. The full course comprises 12 tablets.
25 kg to under 35 kg body weight: take 3 tablets as a single dose at the time of initial diagnosis, 3 tablets again after 8 hours, then 3 tablets twice daily, morning and evening, on each of the following two days. The full course comprises 18 tablets.
Side Effects
Artemether + Lumefantrine is generally well tolerated by both children and adults, and most side effects that do occur are mild to moderate and don't last long. Reported effects include allergic reactions, headache, dizziness, sleep disturbances, drowsiness, involuntary muscle twitching, tingling or numbness of the skin, an unsteady or abnormal way of walking, loss of coordination, palpitations, cough, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, itching, rash, joint pain, muscle pain, weakness, and tiredness.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
This medicine has not been studied for malaria prevention, so it should not be used for that purpose. It has also not been tested for treating cerebral malaria or other severe forms of malaria, such as those involving fluid in the lungs or kidney failure.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients or excipients. Patients with severe malaria as defined by WHO. Use during the first trimester of pregnancy. A family history of congenital QTc interval prolongation or sudden death, or any other condition known to prolong the QTc interval, such as a history of symptomatic cardiac arrhythmias with clinically relevant bradycardia or severe cardiac disease. Known disturbances of electrolyte balance, such as hypokalaemia or hypomagnesemia. Concurrent use of drugs metabolized by the CYP2D6 enzyme, such as flecainide, metoprolol, imipramine, amitriptyline, or clomipramine.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Use in pregnancy and while breastfeeding is contraindicated, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. Breastfeeding women should not take this medicine. Because Lumefantrine has a long elimination half-life of 4 to 6 days, breastfeeding should not resume before day 28 unless the potential benefits to the mother and child outweigh the risk of treatment.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Overdose
If an overdose of Artemether + Lumefantrine is suspected, treat the symptoms and give supportive care as needed. The patient's ECG and blood potassium level should be monitored.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
Store Artemether + Lumefantrine below 30°C, and keep it away from light and moisture. Keep it out of the reach of children.
Common questions about Malfan 20 mg
What is Malfan 20 mg Tablet?
Malfan 20 mg Tablet is a medicine that contains Artemether + Lumefantrine. It is made by Globe Pharmaceuticals Ltd. It belongs to the Anti-malarial drugs group of medicines.
What is Malfan used for?
Malfan is used for: Malaria.
What are the side effects of Malfan?
Artemether + Lumefantrine is generally well tolerated by both children and adults, and most side effects that do occur are mild to moderate and don't last long. Reported effects include allergic reactions, headache, dizziness, sleep disturbances, drowsiness, involuntary muscle twitching, tingling or numbness of the skin, an unsteady or abnormal way of walking, loss of coordination, palpitations, cough, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, itching, rash, joint pain, muscle pain, weakness, and tiredness.
Can I take Malfan during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Use in pregnancy and while breastfeeding is contraindicated, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. Breastfeeding women should not take this medicine. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much Malfan?
If an overdose of Artemether + Lumefantrine is suspected, treat the symptoms and give supportive care as needed. The patient's ECG and blood potassium level should be monitored. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store Malfan?
Store Artemether + Lumefantrine below 30°C, and keep it away from light and moisture. Keep it out of the reach of children.
Do I need a prescription for Malfan?
Malfan is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.