Artemether and lumefantrine
Generic name: artemether and lumefantrine [ ar-TEM-e-ther-and-LOO-me-FAN-treen ]
Brand name: Coartem
Dosage form: oral tablet (20 mg-120 mg)
Drug class:Antimalarial combinations
What is artemether and lumefantrine?
Artemether and lumefantrine are anti-malaria medications that interfere with the growth of parasites in the red blood cells of the human body. Malaria is caused by parasites that enter the body through the bite of a mosquito. Malaria is common in areas such as Africa, South America, and Southern Asia.
Artemether and lumefantrine is a combination medicine used to treat non-severe malaria.
Artemether and lumefantrine is for use in adults and children at least 2 months old or who weigh at least 11 pounds (5 kilograms).
This medication is used only to treat malaria. Do not use artemether and lumefantrine to prevent malaria.
Artemether and lumefantrine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Serious drug interactions can occur when certain medicines are used together. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampin, or St. John's wort.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to artemether or lumefantrine.
Many drugs can interact and cause dangerous effects. Some drugs should not be used together with artemether and lumefantrine. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you also use:
rifampin;
St. John's wort; or
seizure medicine--carbamazepine, phenytoin.
Tell your doctor about all other anti-malaria medications you have used within the past 30 days.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
heart disease;
long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);
liver or kidney disease; or
low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood.
It is not known whether artemether and lumefantrine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Malaria is more likely to cause death in a pregnant woman. If you are pregnant, talk with your doctor about the risks of traveling to areas where malaria is common.
Artemether and lumefantrine can make hormonal birth control less effective, including birth control pills, injectio...
