Artemether + Lumefantrine

Generic Details

Generic Name

Artemether-Lumefantrine

Other Names

  • Coartem
  • Artemether and Lumefantrine

Drug Class

  • Antimalarial

Chemical Formula

C16H26O5-C30H32Cl3NO

Molecular Weight

384.372 g/mol - 528.909 g/mol

Mechanism of Action

  • Artemether: Interferes with the parasite's metabolic processes
  • Lumefantrine: Inhibits nucleic acid synthesis in the malarial parasite

Indications

  • Treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum

Common Dosage Forms

  • Tablet

Typical Dosage

  • Adult dose: 4 tablets as a single initial dose, then 4 tablets after 8 hours, and then 4 tablets twice daily for the subsequent 2 days
  • Pediatric dose varies based on weight and age

Pediatric Dosage

  • Based on weight and age, to be determined by a healthcare provider

Geriatric Dosage

  • Similar to adult dosage but should be individualized based on health status

Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Headache
  • Dizziness

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to artemether-lumefantrine
  • Patients with a history of certain heart conditions or arrhythmias

Pregnancy Category

  • C - Consult healthcare provider before use

Lactation Safety

  • Limited data available, use with caution and consult healthcare provider

Drug Interactions

  • Avoid concomitant use with drugs that prolong QT interval or increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias

Overdose Symptoms

  • Cardiac conduction disorders
  • Seizures

Antidote for Overdose

  • No specific antidote, symptomatic and supportive treatment

Storage Conditions

  • Store at room temperature (20-25°C)
  • Protect from light and moisture

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Well absorbed after oral administration
  • Distribution: Extensively distributed in tissues
  • Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver
  • Excretion: Excreted mainly through the bile

Precautions

  • Monitor for cardiac effects during treatment
  • Caution in patients with liver impairment

Warnings

  • Risk of prolonged QT interval and cardiac arrhythmias
  • Risk of hemolysis in patients with G6PD deficiency

Others

  • Co-administration of artemether-lumefantrine with food rich in fat or milk may enhance the absorption and bioavailability of the drugs