At a glance
Artemether is an antimalarial medication used to treat P. falciparum malaria. It is effective against chloroquine-resistant strains and is typically used in combination with lumefantrine.
Indications
- Acute, uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum
- Mixed malaria infections including P. falciparum
- Effective against chloroquine-resistant malaria parasites
Pharmacology
Artemether is a derivative of naturally occurring artemisinin. It is a sesquiterpene lactone with an endoperoxide bridge, which is responsible for its antimalarial activity.
Artemether reacts with heme (iron-containing porphyrin) in the parasite's food vacuole, generating cytotoxic free radicals that damage parasite proteins and membranes. Lumefantrine interferes with the polymerization of heme into non-toxic hemozoin.
Dosage
Adults and children (≥35 kg): 6-dose regimen: 4 tablets at 0, 8, 24, 36, 48, and 60 hours (total 24 tablets).
Children (25-35 kg): 3 tablets per dose (total 18 tablets).
Children (15-25 kg): 2 tablets per dose (total 12 tablets).
Children (5-15 kg): 1 tablet per dose (total 6 tablets).
Each tablet contains 20 mg artemether and 120 mg lumefantrine. Take with food (especially fatty food or milk) to enhance absorption. Repeat dose if vomiting occurs within 1 hour.
Side effects
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Muscle and joint pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Asthenia
- Cough
Use in pregnancy
[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] Contraindicated in the first trimester. May be used in the second and third trimesters only if necessary and under medical supervision.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Precautions & warnings
Serious Precautions:
- Artemether is not indicated for malaria prophylaxis.
- Not evaluated for severe malaria (cerebral malaria, pulmonary edema, renal failure).
- Contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy.
- Avoid use during breastfeeding (due to lumefantrine's long half-life).
- Use with caution in patients at risk of QT prolongation (cardiac arrhythmias, electrolyte imbalances).
- May cause dizziness and sleepiness - use caution while driving or operating machinery.
- Regular blood tests may be required to monitor parasite clearance.
Overdose effects
In case of overdose, provide symptomatic and supportive treatment. Monitor ECG and blood potassium levels.
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.