ARTEMETHER + LUMEFANTRINE

Antimalarial: artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT)

Dosage Forms

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Tablets

Artemether 20 mg and lumefantrine 120 mg

Uses

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  • First line therapy for uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria

Dose and Duration

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Adult >34 kg: 4 tablets every 12 hours for 3 days
Child 25–34 kg:3 tablets every 12 hours for 3 days
Child 15–24 kg: 2 tablets every 12 hours for 3 days
Child 5–14 kg:1 tablet every 12 hours for 3 days

Contraindications

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  • Children <4 months of age or <5 kg body weight
  • Severe liver disease
  • Severe kidney disease

Side Effects

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  • Stomach upset
  • Headache and dizziness
  • Irregular heartbeat

Interactions

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  • Azithromycin and erythromycin (increased risk of Irregular heartbeat )
  • Ciprofloxacin (increased risk of Irregular heartbeat)

Patient Instructions

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  • Take with a fatty meal or milk
  • If vomiting occurs within one hour of administration, repeat the full dose

Pregnancy

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  • Do not use in 1st trimester

Breastfeeding

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  • Can be used

⚠️ Caution

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  • Use oral quinine in 1st trimester pregnancy and in children <4 months of age or <5 kg body weight
  • Artemether + lumefantrine should not be used for malaria prophylaxis