Artem Tablet

What is Artem Tablet 20 mg+120 mg?

Artem Tablet 20 mg+120 mg (also known as Coartem or artemether + lumefantrine combination) is a combination medication used to treat malaria. It is a fixed-dose combination of two drugs, artemether (an antimalarial drug) and lumefantrine (a lipophilic allylamine).

Uses For Artem Tablet 20 mg+120 mg

Artem Tablet 20 mg+120 mg is used to help treat infected individuals with malaria and to reduce the spread of malaria in areas with a high infection rate. It may also be used to help treat recurrent acute attacks of malaria and lessen the severity of symptoms.

Mechanism of Action

Artem Tablet 20 mg+120 mg works by interfering with the DNA of the Plasmodium parasite and blocking its growth. Artemether affects the building of the parasite's cell membrane and lumefantrine stops the spread of the parasites.

How Long Does it Take to Work?

Artem Tablet 20 mg+120 mg starts to take effect within 2 days. However, it may take up to 2 weeks to clear the infection and up to 4 weeks for full recovery.

Absorption

Artem Tablet 20 mg+120 mg is rapidly and almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Route of Elimination

Artem Tablet 20 mg+120 mg is primarily eliminated by the kidneys, although it may also be eliminated through bile or feces.

Dosage

Patients with acute malaria are frequently averse to food. The dose should be taken with high fat food or drinks such as milk. In the event of vomiting within 1 hour of administration a repeat dose should be taken.

Adults and children weighing 35 kg and above: A standard 3 days treatment schedule with a total of 6 doses is recommended dosage is 4 tablets as a single dose at the time of initial diagnosis, again 4 tablets after eight hours, and then 4 tablets twice daily (morning and evening) on each of the following two days (Total course comprises 24 tablets).

5 to <15 kg body weight: 1 tablet at the time of initial diagnosis, 1 tablet again after 8 hours and then 1 tablet twice daily (morning and evening) on each of the following two days (Total course comprises of 6 tablets).

15 to <25 kg body weight: 2 tablets as a single dose at the time of initial diagnosis , 2 tablets again after 8 hours and then 2 tablets twice daily (morning and evening) on each of the following two days (Total course comprises 12 tablets).

25 to <35 kg body weight: 3 tablets as a single dose at the time of initial diagnosis, 3 tablets again after 8 hours and then 3 tablets twice daily (morning and evening) on each of the following two days (Total courses comprises 18 tablets). The recommended dose for Artem Tablet 20 mg+120 mg is 4 tablets twice daily, with food, for 3 days.

Administration

Artem Tablet 20 mg+120 mg should be taken with food for maximum effectiveness.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Artem Tablet 20 mg+120 mg include nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other side effects may include anorexia, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, rash, pruritus, and insomnia.

Toxicity

The toxicity of Artem Tablet 20 mg+120 mg is low. There have been reports of adverse events related to taking the combination medication, such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort.

Precaution

Patients should inform their healthcare provider of any history of liver or kidney diseases, allergies, or other medical conditions before taking Artem Tablet 20 mg+120 mg.

Interaction

Artem Tablet 20 mg+120 mg may interact with other medications, including antacids, barbiturates, anticoagulants, penicillins, and phenytoin.

Disease Interaction

Artem Tablet 20 mg+120 mg is not recommended for use in patients with severe renal impairment.

Drug Interaction

Artem Tablet 20 mg+120 mg may interact with certain drugs, including cimetidine, ranitidine, phenobarbital, and rifabutin.

Food Interactions

Food may decrease the absorption of Artem Tablet 20 mg+120 mg. It is best taken with food.

Pregnancy Use

Artem Tablet 20 mg+120 mg may be used during pregnancy.

Lactation Use

Artem Tablet 20 mg+120 mg is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women.

Acute Overdose

If an overdose occurs, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an acute overdose may include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.