Uses of Artemether+Lumefantrine

The combination of Artemether+Lumefantrine is used for the treatment of acute uncomplicated malaria (mosquito borne disease with symptoms of fever with chills, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain) caused by a parasite called plasmodium falciparum.

Therapeutic Category

Artemether   : Antimalarials

Lumefantrine: Antimalarials

How Artemether+Lumefantrine works

Artemether effectively kills the malarial parasites by binding to haem (part of molecules that contains iron which is toxic to malarial parasites) which is produced during the breakdown of haemoglobin. Lumefantrine works by binding to hemin where it prevents the formation of a toxic malarial pigment called hemozoin, thereby it treats malarial infection. In addition to this artemether and lumefantrine blocks nucleic acid and protein synthesis in parasite that damages the parasitic cell membrane of plasmodium falciparum which leads to the death of parasite. Thus, it helps in treating the malarial infection.

Common side effects of Artemether+Lumefantrine

• Headache, dizziness
• Nausea, vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Muscle or joint pain
• Difficulty to sleep
• Loss of appetite
• Cough
• Fast heartbeat
• General weakness, tiredness
• Involuntary muscle spasms
• Abnormal walking (in children above 12 years)
• Tingling sensation or numbness of hand and feet
• Rashes or itching in the skin
• Disturbance in heart rhythm (prolonged QTc interval)

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor, if you experience:

• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat with difficulty in breathing and swallowing
• Skin condition with large fluid filled blisters (bullous eruption)

Health Tips for Artemether+Lumefantrine

• Take Artemether+Lumefantrine with food or as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Take the medicine whole, do not crush or chew. Do not skip doses or stop taking them without consulting your doctor
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle and getting regular exercise, reduce stress
• Avoid alcohol while taking Artemether+Lumefantrine, as alcohol can increase the risk of side effects
• Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, oral rehydration solutions, or clear broths
• Artemether+Lumefantrine is not recommended for use in pregnant women
• Artemether+Lumefantrine should be used with caution in breastfeeding women