Indications
Artemet contains artemether and lumefantrine, two anti-malarial medicines that work together. It is used to treat adults, children and infants with acute, uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, or by mixed infections that include P. falciparum. Artemet works against both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant P. falciparum, so it is also recommended for malaria caught in areas where the parasites may not respond to other anti-malarials. Stand-by emergency treatment is for travellers who may not be able to get medical care quickly. Most tourists and business travellers, who have no immunity to malaria, can get prompt medical attention if they suspect the infection. A small number of people at risk, however, may be unable to see a doctor within 24 hours of symptoms starting, especially if they are somewhere remote and far from medical services. In that case, prescribers are advised to give the traveller Artemether and Lumefantrine to carry, so they can take it themselves. Official guidance on the appropriate use of anti-malarial medicines should be followed.
⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.
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.
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.
Dosage Reference
⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor for personalized dosing.