Artemether + Lumefantrine: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan
Artemether with lumefantrine is a combination treatment for malaria, sold in Pakistan as tablets, dispersible tablets and suspensions for children under brands such as Coartem and many others. Artemether is also available on its own as an injection for hospital use.
How Artemether + Lumefantrine works
Artemether acts very quickly to reduce the number of malaria parasites in the blood. Lumefantrine works more slowly and clears the parasites that remain, which lowers the chance of the infection coming back.
What is Artemether + Lumefantrine used for?
- Uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum
- Malaria where the type is mixed or not yet confirmed, as decided by a doctor
- Injection: severe malaria in hospital
It treats malaria but does not prevent it, so it is not used as protection before travel.
Side effects of Artemether + Lumefantrine
Not everyone gets side effects. The ones reported more often are:
- Headache and dizziness
- Loss of appetite, nausea or stomach pain
- Muscle or joint pain
- Tiredness and weakness
- Trouble sleeping
Get medical help straight away if symptoms get worse, you cannot keep the medicine down, or you notice a fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting, or signs of a serious allergic reaction.
Precautions and warnings
- Take each dose with food, preferably with some fat such as milk, because this helps the body absorb lumefantrine.
- If you vomit within an hour of a dose, contact your doctor, as the dose may need repeating.
- Tell your doctor about heart rhythm problems or other medicines that affect heart rhythm.
- Complete the whole course even if you feel better.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, especially in the first three months.
Frequently asked questions about Artemether + Lumefantrine
Why should artemether lumefantrine be taken with food?
Lumefantrine is absorbed much better with food, especially foods containing some fat such as milk. Taking it on an empty stomach can make the treatment less effective.
Can it be used to prevent malaria?
No. It is a treatment for malaria. Prevention needs different medicines and protection against mosquito bites.
Artemether + Lumefantrine brands and prices in Pakistan
Medimart lists 90+ products containing Artemether + Lumefantrine from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.
