Key facts about Artemether/Lumefantrine
What dosages is Artemether/Lumefantrine available in?
Artemether/Lumefantrine is available as an oral tablet that contains 20 mg artemether and 120 mg lumefantrine.
What is Artemether/Lumefantrine used for?
Artemether/Lumefantrine is an antimalarial and is used to treat malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum in people 2 months of age or older who weigh at least 5 kg (11 pounds).
How does Artemether/Lumefantrine work?
Artemether/Lumefantrine is a combination of two antimalarial agents, artemether and lumefantrine. These two agents work together to kill malarial parasites by preventing them from producing DNA and protein.
How do I take Artemether/Lumefantrine?
The typical dose of Artemether/Lumefantrine for people who weigh at least 35 kg (77 pounds) is 4 tablets of artemether 20 mg/lumefantrine 120 mg by mouth with food for each dose. The medication is dosed twice per day for 3 days for a total of 6 doses.
After the first dose of 4 tablets, the second dose of 4 tablets is taken 8 hours later. Then the next two days, you take 4 tablets by mouth in the morning with breakfast and 4 tablets by mouth in the evening with dinner.
Is it safe for me to take Artemether/Lumefantrine?
Artemether/Lumefantrine is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication in the following:
Known hypersensitivity to artemether, lumefantrine, or to any of the excipients.
Coadministration of strong inducers of CYP3A4 such as rifampin, carbamazepine,
phenytoin, and St. John’s wort with Artemether/Lumefantrine.
Artemether/Lumefantrine Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Artemether/Lumefantrine:
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Dizziness
- Lack of energy
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
Artemether/Lumefantrine Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Artemether/Lumefantrine. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
Allergic reaction
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Artemether/Lumefantrine
The following medications may interact with Artemether/Lumefantrine:
- CYP3A4 Inducers: Potential for loss of antimalarial efficacy.
- CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Use cautiously due to potential for QT prolongation.
- Antiretrovirals: Use cautiously due to potential for QT prolongation, loss of
- antiviral efficacy, or loss of antimalarial efficacy of Artemether/Lumefantrine.
- Mefloquine: If used immediately before treatment, monitor for decreased efficacy
- of Artemether/Lumefantrine and encourage food consumption.
- Hormonal Contraceptives: Effectiveness may be reduced; use an additional
- method of birth control.
- CYP2D6 Substrates: Monitor for adverse reactions and potential QT prolongation.
Who makes Artemether/Lumefantrine?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Artemether/Lumefantrine safe in pregnancy?
Artemether/Lumefantrine may affect how well hormonal
contraceptives work and may cause them to not work as well. Females who are able to become pregnant should
use another effective non-hormonal form of birth control or an additional barrier method of birth control (such
as male condoms) during treatment with Artemether/Lumefantrine. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions
about birth control methods that may be right for you during this time.
