Uses

Artemether and lumefantrine are anti-malaria medications that interfere with the growth of parasites in the red blood cells of the human body. Malaria is caused by parasites that enter the body through the bite of a mosquito. Malaria is common in areas such as Africa, South America, and Southern Asia.

Artemether and lumefantrine is a combination medicine used to treat non-severe malaria.

Artemether and lumefantrine is for use in adults and children at least 2 months old or who weigh at least 11 pounds (5 kilograms).

This medication is used only to treat malaria. Do not use artemether and lumefantrine to prevent malaria.

Artemether and lumefantrine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Artemether and lumefantrine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; fast heart rate; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor if you develop fever, chills, body aches, severe headache, or flu symptoms after you have finished taking all your doses of artemether and lumefantrine.

Also call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• worsening malaria symptoms;
  
• severe vomiting, loss of appetite, or being unable to eat;
  
• fast or pounding heartbeats;
  
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or
  
• the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild.
  

Common side effects of artemether and lumefantrine may include:

• headache, dizziness;
  
• fever, cough, feeling weak or tired;
  
• muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness;
  
• joint pain;
  
• vomiting; or
  
• loss of appetite.
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to artemether or lumefantrine.

Many drugs can interact and cause dangerous effects. Some drugs should not be used together with artemether and lumefantrine. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you also use:

rifampin;

St. John's wort; or

seizure medicine--carbamazepine, phenytoin.

Tell your doctor about all other anti-malaria medications you have used within the past 30 days.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

heart disease;

long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);

liver or kidney disease; or

low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood.

It is not known whether artemether and lumefantrine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Malaria is more likely to cause death in a pregnant woman. If you are pregnant, talk with your doctor about the risks of traveling to areas where malaria is common.

Artemether and lumefantrine can make hormonal birth control less effective, including birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings. To prevent pregnancy while using artemether and lumefantrine, use a barrier form of birth control: condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Artemether and lumefantrine should not be given to a child younger than 2 months or who weighs less than 11 pounds.

Artemether and lumefantrine dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Malaria:

Less than 35 kg: Usual pediatric dose

At least 35 kg: 4 tablets orally as a single initial dose, followed by 4 tablets after 8 hours, and then 4 tablets twice a day (morning and evening) for the following 2 days
-Total course: 24 tablets

Comments:
-A 3-day treatment regimen, with a total of 6 doses

Use: For the treatment of acute uncomplicated malaria infections due to Plasmodium falciparum

Usual Pediatric Dose for Malaria:

2 months or older:
-Weight 5 to less than 15 kg: 1 tablet orally as a single initial dose, followed by 1 tablet after 8 hours, and then 1 tablet twice a day (morning and evening) for the following 2 days
---Total course: 6 tablets
-Weight 15 to less than 25 kg: 2 tablets orally as a single initial dose, followed by 2 tablets after 8 hours, and then 2 tablets twice a day (morning and evening) for the following 2 days
---Total course: 12 tablets
-Weight 25 to less than 35 kg: 3 tablets orally as a single initial dose, followed by 3 tablets after 8 hours, and then 3 tablets twice a day (morning and evening) for the following 2 days
---Total course: 18 tablets
-Weight At least 35 kg: 4 tablets orally as a single initial dose, followed by 4 tablets after 8 hours, and then 4 tablets twice a day (morning and evening) for the following 2 days
---Total course: 24 tablets

Comments:
-A 3-day treatment regimen, with a total of 6 doses

Use: For the treatment of acute uncomplicated malaria infections due to P falciparum

Disclaimer: Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.