What is Artemether and lumefantrine?
Artemether and lumefantrine can be used as anti-malaria medicines that block the development of parasites within red blood cells in your body. The cause of malaria is parasites that enter your body via the bite of mosquitoes. Malaria is prevalent in areas like Africa, South America, and Southern Asia.Artemether and lumefantrine are a combination medicine that is used to treat malaria that is not severe.Artemether and lumefantrine are recommended for children and adults who are 2 months old or who weigh at least 11.5 kilogrammes (5 grammes).This medicine is intended for treating malaria. Don't use artemether or lumefantrine to treat malaria.Artemether and lumefantrine are also employed for other purposes that are not covered in this medication guide.
Side effects of Artemether and lumefantrine?
Seek medical attention immediately in the event that you exhibit symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, which include itching, a fast heart rate, breathing difficulty, or swelling of your lips, face, or tongue.Consult your physician for advice if you experience fever, body aches, chills, extreme headaches, or flu symptoms after taking all the doses you can, as well as lumefantrine.
Contact your doctor immediately if you are experiencing any serious side effects, like:
- Worsening malaria symptoms;
- Extremely vomiting, lack of appetite, or not being able to eat;
- Heartbeats that are fast or rapid
- An euphoric feeling, similar to you're passing out
- The first sign of any the first sign of any skin, regardless of how mild it is.
Common negative effects of artemether and lumefantrine could include:
- Headache, dizziness;
- The fever and itching, cough, feeling tired or weak;
- Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness;
- Joint pain;
- Vomiting;
- Loss of appetite.
This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and others could happen. Reach out to your physician in order to receive advice regarding any adverse side-effects caused by medications you are considering taking, in order to gain their professional opinion regarding possible consequences of their usage. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar or related drugs
Doxycycline, Clindamycin, Hydroxychloroquine, Plaquenil, and Cleocin
Warnings
Drug interactions that are serious can happen when certain medications are taken in combination. Discuss with your physician your current medications and all the ones you begin or stop taking, particularly carbamazepine and phenytoin. Also, you can mention r, or St. John's wort.
Before you take this drug
It is not recommended to use this medication if you have an allergy to either lumefantrine or artemether.Many drugs can interact with each other and create dangerous side effects. Certain medications are not recommended to be used with artemether or lumefantrine.
Your doctor could alter your treatment regimen when you are also using:
- Rifampin;
- John's wort;
- Seizure medicine—carbamazepine, phenytoin.
Discuss with your doctor all the other anti-malaria medicines you've taken in the last 30 days.
Speak to your doctor if you ever have:
- Heart disease;
- The long qt disorder (in the case of you as well as a relative);
- Kidney or liver disease
- Lower levels of magnesium or potassium in the blood.
It isn't known if lumefantrine and artemether can affect a newborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are expecting or planning to be pregnant.The risk of malaria is higher for pregnant women. If you are expecting, speak to your physician about the risk of travelling to regions where malaria is prevalent.Artemether and lumefantrine may cause hormone-based hormonal birth controls to be less effective, which includes birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings. To stop pregnancy while taking lumefantrine or artemether, make use of the barrier methods of birth control such as condoms, diaphragms, a cervical cap, and a contraceptive sponge.It might not be safe to breastfeed while taking this medication. Informing your physician of potential risks.The drugs artemether and lumefantrine should never be administered to children less than 2 months old or weighing under 11 pounds.
How to take Artemether and lumefantrine?
Follow the directions on the prescription label and go through all medication guides or instructions sheets. Make sure you use the medicine exactly as prescribed.Consume lumefantrine and artemether with food, such as oatmeal, milk, pudding, or even broth. The tablet can be crushed and then mixed into 1 or 2 teaspoons of liquid for easier swallowing. It is also possible to mix crushed tablets with formula for infants when you give the medication to your baby. Get back to eating as quickly as you can to allow your body to absorb this medication.Artemether, as well as lumefantrine, is typically given in an entire dose of six over three days. Be sure to follow the instructions of your doctor regarding the number of tablets you should take for each dosage. Artemether and lumefantrine dosages are based on weight and age. The recommended dosages are as follows, unless your physician tells you otherwise.
For persons older than 16 with a weight of at least 77 lbs:
- Begin by taking up to four (4) tablets for an initial dosage.
- Take 4 tablets more, 8 hours later.
- Start with 4 tablets each morning and 4 tablets at night for the next two days.
For children who are younger than 16 years old and weigh between 55 and 77 pounds:
- Consume three (3) tablets for the first dosage.
- Take 3 tablets 8 hours later.
- Start with 3 tablets each morning and 3 tablets at night for the next two days.
For children under 16 years old and weighing between 33 and 55 lbs:
- Two (2) tablets for the first dosage
- Take two more tablets eight hours later.
- Start with 2 tablets at the beginning of your day and 2 tablets at night over the next two days.
For children who are younger than 16 years old and weigh between 11 and 33 lbs:
- One (1) tablet is your first dose.
- You can take a second tablet eight hours later.
- Take one tablet in the morning and one tablet at night for the next two days.
If you have a bowel movement within 1 hour after taking this medicine, then take a second dose. If the vomiting persists or you are unable to take food, contact your doctor.The medication you take is not 100% efficient in combating malaria. For the best results, you should continue taking the medication according to the instructions.Consult your physician if your symptoms do not improve or if you experience headaches, chills, fever, or muscle pain.Keep the bottle at room temperature, far from heat and moisture. Make sure the bottle is tightly sealed when not being used.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Malaria:
less than 35kg The usual dose for children
At least 35kg in weight. Take 4 tablets orally as one initial dose, followed by 4 tablets within 8 hours. Then take four tablets every day (morning and evening) for the next two days.
Total course: 24 tablets
Comments:
A three-day treatment regimen that includes a total of six doses
Use: To treat acute and uncomplicated malaria-related infections caused by Plasmodium falciparum.
Usual Paediatric Dose for Malaria:
2 months or more:
5 to less than 15kg: one tablet, taken orally in one dosage, then one tablet every 8 hours, and finally, one tablet twice each day (morning and at night) for the next 2 days.
Total course: 6 tablets
Weights between 15 and 25kg: two tablets, taken orally in a single dose, followed by two tablets within 8 hours, then two tablets two times a day (morning Over the next two days (both day and night) this exercise should take place both morning and night.
Total course: 12 tablets
Weights between 25 and 35 kilogrammes: three tablets taken orally in a single dose and then three tablets within 8 hours, followed by three tablets two times a day (morning and at night) for the next two days.
Total course: 18 tablets
Weight: at least 35 kg four tablets taken orally in one dose, followed by four tablets within 8 hours, then four tablets daily (morning and at night) for the next two days.
Total course: 24 tablets
Comments:
A 3-day treatment plan, which includes six doses
Use: To treat acute and uncomplicated malaria-related infections caused by P. falciparum
What happens if I miss the dose?
You should take the missed dose as soon as you can remember. Do not take your missed dose if you are nearing the time for the next dose. Do not take a second dose to make up for the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact for help at the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Do not take other medications to treat malaria unless your physician has instructed you to.Grapefruit can interact with artemether or lumefantrine and cause undesirable adverse effects. Do not use grapefruit-related products.
Interaction with other drug
There are times when it's not recommended to take certain medications simultaneously. Certain drugs may affect the blood levels of the other drugs you are taking, which could create side effects or render the drugs less effective.
Inform your physician of all medications you are currently taking.Certain drugs may alter the effects of artemether and lumefantrine, specifically:
- Other anti-malaria medicines
- Blood pressure or heart medication;
- Antipsychotic medications;
- An antidepressant
- Medication to treat seizures or facial nerve pain within your facial area.
- Antibiotics and antifungal drugs or medication for treating tuberculosis;
- Antiviral medicine for treating HIV as well as AIDS and
- Birth control tablets or hormonal replacement therapy
This list isn't complete, and a variety of other medications could cause problems with lumefantrine or artemether. This includes both over-the-counter and prescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal products. There are many possible interactions between drugs that are listed here.
