What is Artemether + Lumefantrine?
Artemether + Lumefantrine (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 Artemether + Lumefantrine
Artemether + Lumefantrine 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
Artemether + Lumefantrine 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?
Artemether + Lumefantrine 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
Artemether + Lumefantrine is rapidly and almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.Route of Elimination
Artemether + Lumefantrine 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 Artemether + Lumefantrine is 4 tablets twice daily, with food, for 3 days.
