Artemether and Lumefantrine
Antimalarial · Artemisinin derivative/Synthetic racemic fluorene mixture
Indications
Malaria due to plasmodium falciparum, resistant or mixed infections.
Dosage
CAP/TAB 20/120 mg: Adults: 4 tab as single first dose followed by 4 tab after 8 hr of the 1st dose, 4 tab after 24 hr of the 1st dose and then 48 hr after the 1st dose. (Total course of 16 tab). Children: 5-15 kg body wt: Total course of 4 tab: 1 tab initially followed by 1 tab after 8 hr, after 24 hr and after 48 hr of the 1st dose. 15-25 kg body wt: Total course of 8 tab: 2 tab as a single dose initially followed by dose of 2 tab after 8 hr, after 24 hr and after 48 hr of the 1st dose. 25-35 kg body wt: Total course of 12 tab: 3 tab as a single dose initially followed by dose of 3 tab after 8 hr, after 24 hr and after 48 hr of the 1st dose. CAP/TAB 40/240 mg: Adults: 2 tab as single first dose followed by 2 tab after 8 hr of the 1st dose, 2 tab after 24 hr of the 1st dose and then 48 hr after the 1st dose. (Total course of 8 tab). CAP/TAB 80/480 mg: Adults: 1 tab as single first dose…
Adverse Effects
Abdominal pain, anorexia, diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, palpitation, prolonged QT interval, cough, headache, dizziness, asthaenia, sleep disturbances, paresthesia, arthralgia, myalgia, pruritus, rash, GI upset, fatigue, cough, gait disturbance, raised liver enzyme.
Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)
Pregnancy: Positive evidence of risk: Use only when no safer alternative exists for a serious problem. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: History of arrhythmias, clinical relevant bradycardia, congestive heart failure accompanied by reduced ventricular ejection fraction; family history of sudden death or of congenital QT interval prolongation. Severe malaria, other plasmodium infections. Precautions: Electrolyte disturbances, concomitant use with other drugs known to cause QT-interval prolongation, monitor patients unable to take food (greater risk of recrudescence). Dizziness may affect performance. Severe cardiac, renal or hepatic impairment; monitor ECG, potassium.
Interactions
Inhibitors of CYP3A4, substrates of CYP2D6, grapefruit juice, class Ia and III antiarrhythmics, drugs prolonging QT interval, fluoroquinolones, azole antifungals, cisapride, other antimalarials, hormonal contraceptives, macrolides, antipsychotics, antidepressants.
Advice to Patient
Take with meals. Avoid grapefruit juice during therapy. Discontinue medication immediately and inform prescriber if there is skin rash, hives, fast heartbeat, difficulty in swallowing or breathing, swelling of the lips/tongue/face/throat tightness.
Pharmacokinetics
ARTEMETHER: Absorption: Rapidly absorbed. Metabolism: Hepatic. Half-life elimination: 2-12 hrs. Time to peak, plasma: 2 hrs. LUMEFANTRINE: Absorption: Absorption begins after a lag-time of up to2 hrs. Metabolism: Hepatic. Bioavailability: Variable. Increased when given with food. Half-life elimination: 4-6 days. Time to peak, plasma: 6-8 hrs. Excretion: Faeces.
Brands with this active ingredient
Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →
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