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Artemether + Lumefantrine

Anti-malarial drugs Prescription
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Indications

Malaria

Artemet is indicated for: Treatment and stand by emergency treatment of adults, children and infants with acute, uncomplicated infection due to Plasmodium falciparum or mixed infections including P. falciparum. Because Artemether and Lumefantrine is effective against both drug sensitive and ... Read moreArtemet is indicated for: Treatment and stand by emergency treatment of adults, children and infants with acute, uncomplicated infection due to Plasmodium falciparum or mixed infections including P. falciparum. Because Artemether and Lumefantrine is effective against both drug sensitive and drug resistance P. falciparum. Artemet is also recommended for malaria infections acquired in areas where the parasites may be resistant to other antimalarials. Stand by emergency treatment: Most tourists and business travelers, considered to be non-immune, will be able to obtain prompt medical attention if malaria is suspected. However a minority at risk of infection may be unable to obtain such care within 24 hours of onset of symptoms, particularly if they are in an isolated location far from medical services. In such case, prescribers are advised to issue Artemether and Lumefantrine to be carried by the traveler for self-administration (stand by emergency treatment). Consideration should be given to official guidance regarding the appropriate use of the anti-malarial agents.

⚠️ 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.

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.