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Artemether + Lumefantrine: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh
Artemether + Lumefantrine is a fixed-dose antimalarial combination indicated for the treatment ofacute, uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum and more.
About Artemether + Lumefantrine
Indications of Artemether + Lumefantrine
Artemether + Lumefantrine is a fixed-dose antimalarial combination indicated for the treatment ofacute, uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, including in geographicregions where chloroquine resistance has been reported. It is an FDA-approved and WHO-recommendedfirst-line artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT).
- Established/approved use: treatment of acute, uncomplicated P. falciparum malariain adults, infants, and children weighing 5 kg or more.
- Guideline-supported use: also used for uncomplicated mixed-species malaria infectionsthat include P. falciparum, per WHO treatment guidelines.
- Not indicated for: severe or complicated malaria (which requires injectable therapy),and not indicated for malaria chemoprophylaxis (prevention).
Dosage & Administration of Artemether + Lumefantrine
Dosage
Artemether + Lumefantrine is given as a 3-day, 6-dose regimen (at 0, 8, 24, 36, 48, and 60 hours), dosedby body weight. Each tablet contains artemether 20 mg and lumefantrine 120 mg.
| Body weight | Dose per administration | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| 5 kg to <15 kg | 1 tablet | 0, 8, 24, 36, 48, and 60 hours (6 doses total) |
| 15 kg to <25 kg | 2 tablets | Same schedule |
| 25 kg to <35 kg | 3 tablets | Same schedule |
| 35 kg and above (including adults) | 4 tablets | Same schedule |
Administration
Artemether + Lumefantrine must be taken with fatty food or whole milk, since dietary fat markedly increasesabsorption of lumefantrine; taking it on an empty stomach can lead to treatment failure. If vomiting occurswithin 1 hour of a dose, the same dose should be repeated. In young children who cannot swallow tablets,the tablet may be crushed and mixed with a small amount of water. The complete 3-day, 6-dose course ofArtemether + Lumefantrine must be finished exactly as prescribed, even if symptoms improve early, to ensurecomplete parasite clearance and reduce the risk of recurrence and drug resistance.
Side Effects of Artemether + Lumefantrine
Side effects of Artemether + Lumefantrine are usually mild to moderate and self-limiting.
Common
- Headache, dizziness, sleep disturbances
- Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea
- Joint pain (arthralgia), muscle pain (myalgia), weakness (asthenia)
- Palpitations
- In children: fever, cough
Less common / serious
- QT interval prolongation and, rarely, serious cardiac arrhythmia
- Enlarged liver or spleen
- Allergic reactions including rash, angioedema, and rarely anaphylaxis
- Delayed hemolytic anemia, reported particularly when used after injectable artesunate for severemalaria
Seek prompt medical attention for signs of an allergic reaction, irregular heartbeat, fainting, orunusual bleeding or pallor while taking Artemether + Lumefantrine.
Contraindications of Artemether + Lumefantrine
Artemether + Lumefantrine is contraindicated in:
- Known hypersensitivity to artemether, lumefantrine, or any excipient of Artemether + Lumefantrine.
- Personal or family history of congenital long QT syndrome, or a family history of sudden cardiac death.
- Concurrent use of other medicines known to prolong the QT interval (see Interactions).
- Concurrent use of strong CYP3A4 inducers such as rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, or St. John'sWort, which cause loss of antimalarial efficacy.
- Use within one month of halofantrine.
Use in the first trimester of pregnancy requires special caution rather than being an absolutecontraindication; see Pregnancy and Lactation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Artemether + Lumefantrine
What is Artemether + Lumefantrine used for?
Artemether + Lumefantrine is used to treat acute, uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. It is an artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) and is not used for severe or complicated malaria, or for malaria prevention.
How should I take Artemether + Lumefantrine?
Artemether + Lumefantrine is taken as a 3-day, 6-dose course, with the number of tablets per dose based on body weight. It must be taken with fatty food or whole milk, since dietary fat is needed for proper absorption; taking it on an empty stomach can make the treatment less effective. If you vomit within 1 hour of a dose, repeat that dose.
Is Artemether + Lumefantrine safe during pregnancy?
Artemether + Lumefantrine should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed and if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus, especially in the first trimester, when other treatment options should be considered first if available. Because untreated malaria itself is dangerous in pregnancy, your physician will weigh these risks individually - always consult a physician before use in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What medicines should I avoid while taking Artemether + Lumefantrine?
Avoid other medicines that prolong the QT interval (such as certain antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics, macrolide or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, and halofantrine), and avoid strong CYP3A4 inducers such as rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, and St. John's Wort, which can make Artemether + Lumefantrine less effective. Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking before starting Artemether + Lumefantrine.
What happens if I stop taking Artemether + Lumefantrine before finishing the course?
You should always complete the full 3-day, 6-dose course of Artemether + Lumefantrine exactly as prescribed, even if you feel better after a few doses. Stopping early, skipping doses, or sharing the medicine with someone else can leave parasites incompletely cleared, increasing the risk of the infection returning (recrudescence) and of the parasite becoming resistant to treatment.
What are the common side effects of Artemether + Lumefantrine?
Common side effects of Artemether + Lumefantrine include headache, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, joint or muscle pain, and palpitations; in children, fever and cough are common. Most side effects are mild and resolve on their own. Seek medical attention promptly for signs of an allergic reaction, irregular heartbeat, or fainting.
Disclaimer
The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.