II. Indications
- Malaria Treatment (Uncomplicated)
III. Medications
- Artemether 20 mg and Lumefantrine 120 mg Tablets
- May crush tablets and mix with water
IV. Mechanism
- See Artemisinin
V. Dosing: Malaria Treatment
- Adult (weight >=35 kg)
- Day 1: Take 4 tablets orally twice, 8 hours apart on the first day
- Days 2 and 3: Take 4 tablets orally twice daily for 2 days
- Child (infant weight >5 kg and age >2 months)
- Weight 5 to 14 kg: Take 1 tablet orally twice daily for 3 days (8 hours apart on day 1)
- Weight 15 to 24 kg: Take 2 tablets orally twice daily for 3 days (8 hours apart on day 1)
- Weight 25 to 34 kg: Take 3 tablets orally twice daily for 3 days (8 hours apart on day 1)
VI. Safety
- Considered in Lactation
- Pregnancy
- Unknownn safety in first trimester (but may be used if no alternatives available)
- Considered safe in later pregnancy
VII. Adverse Effects
-
QT Prolongation
- Risk of Torsades de Pointes
-
Vomiting
- May repeat dose once if Vomiting within 1 to 2 hours
VIII. Pharmacokinetics
- Lumefantrine has a very long half life
IX. Drug Interactions
- Halofantrine
- Do not use within one month of Coartem
- Strong CYP3A4 Inducers (e.g. Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Rifampin)
- Avoid with Coartem
-
CYP3A4 Inhibitors
- Risk of increased Coartem serum levels with QTc Prolongations
-
Oral Contraceptives
- Coartem decreases effectiveness of Oral Contraceptives (use backup Contraception)
X. Resources
- Artemether Lumefantrine (DailyMed)