What it is used for
- Treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum
- Treatment of mixed malaria infections that include P. falciparum
How it works
Artemether rapidly kills the malaria parasites in the blood, while lumefantrine clears the remaining parasites more slowly over a longer period. Combining the two reduces parasite numbers quickly and lowers the chance of resistance developing.
How it is taken
Usually taken as oral tablets, including a dispersible tablet form for children. It is taken as a short course over a few days and works best when taken with food or a fatty drink such as milk, which helps the body absorb it. Take it exactly as your doctor, pharmacist, or the label directs, and finish the full course even if you feel better.
No doses here on purpose. The right strength and schedule depend on you — only a doctor or pharmacist should set them. Always follow your prescription and the label.
Common side effects
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Muscle or joint aches
- Tiredness
- Sleep disturbance
Serious effects — get help
- Irregular or very fast heartbeat, fainting, or palpitations (possible heart-rhythm effect) — seek urgent care
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
- Persistent vomiting that prevents you from keeping the medicine down — contact your clinician
- Worsening malaria symptoms or new confusion, seizures, or extreme weakness — seek emergency care
If a reaction is severe — for example trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or collapse — go to the nearest emergency room now or call your local emergency number. Do not wait for an online consultation.
Interactions to watch
- Other medicines that can affect heart rhythm (some antiarrhythmics, certain antipsychotics, some antibiotics and antifungals)
- Drugs that strongly induce or inhibit liver enzymes (some anti-seizure medicines, rifampicin, certain HIV medicines)
- Grapefruit juice may affect drug levels
- Other antimalarials
Who should take care
- Tell your clinician if you have a known heart-rhythm condition or a family history of sudden cardiac death
- Discuss any history of liver or kidney problems
- Inform your clinician if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
- Mention any electrolyte problems such as low potassium or magnesium
- Tell your clinician about all other medicines, including over-the-counter and herbal products