Artemether 20mg Lumefantrine 120mg Tablets, 20 mg + 120 mg

Artemether/lumefantrine (20 mg / 120 mg tablets) is a combination antimalarial medicine used to treat uncomplicated malaria, especially caused by Plasmodium falciparum.

Uses

Artemether + lumefantrine is used for:

• Uncomplicated malaria (most common type)
• Plasmodium falciparum malaria (including resistant strains in many regions)
• Mixed malaria infections (P. falciparum with other species, as advised)
• Treatment after initial injectable therapy in severe malaria (step-down oral treatment)

How it works

This combination works in two ways:

• Artemether:
  Rapidly kills malaria parasites by producing toxic free radicals inside infected red blood cells
• Lumefantrine:
  Stays longer in the body and kills remaining parasites, preventing recurrence

👉 Together they provide:

• Fast parasite clearance (artemether)
• Long-lasting protection (lumefantrine)

How to use

• Taken by mouth (tablet) with food (especially fatty food like milk improves absorption)
• Usually given in a 6-dose schedule over 3 days (exact dosing depends on weight/age)
• Take doses at:
  • 0 hour (first dose)
  • 8 hours
  • Then twice daily for next 2 days
• Must complete full course even if fever improves early
• Do not double dose if one is missed—follow doctor advice

Common side effects

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness or fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Joint or muscle pain

Serious side effects (seek medical help)

• Severe allergic reaction (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty)
• Heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation—rare but important)
• Severe vomiting (unable to keep medicine down)
• Severe dizziness or fainting
• Signs of anemia or worsening malaria (persistent fever, weakness)

Do NOT use if

• Allergy to artemether, lumefantrine, or other artemisinin drugs
• History of serious heart rhythm disorders (QT prolongation)
• Taking certain heart rhythm medicines (some antiarrhythmics—doctor must check)

Important warnings

• Must be taken with fatty food or milk for proper absorption
• Avoid skipping doses—irregular intake may lead to treatment failure or resistance
• Use cautiously in:
  • Heart disease
  • Electrolyte imbalance (low potassium/magnesium)
• Not for prevention of malaria (only treatment)
• Not for severe malaria alone → severe cases require injectable artesunate first
• Vomiting within 1 hour of dose → may need repeat dose (doctor decision)
• Complete full 3-day course even if symptoms disappear