artemether/lumefantrine (Coartem)

Introduction

FDA approved April 2009

Indications

• treatment of acute, uncomplicated malaria in adults & children > 5 kg (11 lbs)
  • treatment of Plasmodium falciparum

Dosage

• BID dosing for 3 days

• 5 - <15 kg: 1 tablet per dose
• 15 - <25 kg: 2 tablets per dose
• 25 - <35 kg: 3 tablets per dose
• >35 kg: 4 tablets per dose

• take with food, particularly food that contains fat

Tablet: 20mg artemether & 120 mg lumefantrine

Adverse effects

• adults
  • headache
  • anorexia
  • dizziness
  • physical weakness (asthenia)
  • arthralgia
  • myalgia
• children
  • fever (pyrexia)
  • cough
  • vomiting
  • loss of appetite
  • headache

• drug adverse effects of antimalarials

More general terms

• antibiotic combination
• antimalarial

Components

• artemether
• lumefantrine