Arteether + Lumefantrine
NA
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
YES
Known Teratogen
No
Pharmaceutical Class
NA
Controlled Drug Substance
No
Summary
Arteether and lumefantrine are used to treat malaria, which is a disease caused by parasites transmitted through mosquito bites. They are effective against Plasmodium falciparum, which is the most dangerous type of malaria parasite. This combination is used for uncomplicated malaria, meaning the infection is not severe and does not involve complications like organ failure.
Arteether, derived from artemisinin, acts quickly to kill malaria parasites by damaging their cell membranes. Lumefantrine, a longer-acting antimalarial, interferes with the parasite's ability to metabolize and reproduce. Together, they provide a fast and sustained attack on the parasites, reducing symptoms and preventing the disease from coming back.
Arteether is usually given as an injection by a healthcare professional, typically 150 mg once daily for three days. Lumefantrine is taken orally, often in combination with artemether, with a common regimen being four tablets twice daily for three days. This short course is designed to quickly reduce the parasite load and clear the infection.
Common side effects of arteether and lumefantrine include headache, dizziness, and nausea, which are generally mild and temporary. Arteether may cause injection site reactions, such as pain or swelling. Lumefantrine can sometimes lead to changes in heart rhythm, which is a more significant adverse effect. Monitoring for these side effects is important.
Arteether and lumefantrine should not be used by individuals with known allergies to these medications. They are contraindicated in patients with certain heart conditions, such as arrhythmias, due to the risk of heart-related side effects. Caution is advised in patients with liver or kidney problems, as these conditions can affect how the medicines are processed in the body.
Indications and Purpose
How does combination of Arteether and Lumefantrine work?
Arteether is an antimalarial drug which is used to treat malaria, a disease caused by parasites that enter the body through the bite of a mosquito. It works by killing the parasites in the blood, which helps to reduce the symptoms of malaria. Lumefantrine is also an antimalarial drug, and it is often used in combination with another drug called artemether. Lumefantrine works by interfering with the growth of the parasites in the blood. Both Arteether and Lumefantrine share the common goal of targeting and eliminating the malaria-causing parasites in the bloodstream. However, Arteether is typically used for severe cases of malaria, while Lumefantrine is used in combination therapies for uncomplicated malaria. Both drugs are crucial in the fight against malaria, but they are used in different situations depending on the severity of the infection.
How effective is combination of Arteether and Lumefantrine?
Arteether and Lumefantrine are both used to treat malaria, which is a disease caused by parasites transmitted through mosquito bites. Arteether is known for its rapid action against the malaria parasite, which means it works quickly to reduce the number of parasites in the blood. Lumefantrine, on the other hand, has a longer-lasting effect, which helps to ensure that the parasites are completely cleared from the body. Both substances are often used together because they complement each other. Arteether quickly reduces the parasite load, while Lumefantrine ensures that any remaining parasites are eliminated. This combination helps to prevent the recurrence of malaria. They both share the common attribute of being effective against the malaria parasite, but their unique attributes lie in their speed and duration of action, making them a powerful duo in malaria treatment.
Directions for Use
What is the usual dose of combination of Arteether and Lumefantrine?
Arteether is typically administered as an intramuscular injection, which means it's given directly into a muscle. The usual adult dose is 150 mg per day for three consecutive days. Arteether is used to treat severe malaria, which is a serious disease caused by parasites transmitted through mosquito bites. Lumefantrine, on the other hand, is taken orally, which means it's swallowed. It's usually combined with another medicine called artemether. The typical adult dose is 480 mg, taken twice daily for three days. Lumefantrine is also used to treat malaria, but it's more commonly used for uncomplicated cases. Both medicines are antimalarials, which means they work to kill the malaria parasites in the blood. They share the common goal of treating malaria, but they differ in their method of administration and the specific type of malaria they target.
How does one take combination of Arteether and Lumefantrine?
Arteether, which is used to treat malaria, is usually given as an injection by a healthcare professional. It does not have specific food-related instructions since it is not taken orally. Lumefantrine, which is also used to treat malaria, is taken orally and should be taken with food, preferably a meal that contains some fat, to help the body absorb the medicine better. Both medicines are used to treat malaria, which is a disease caused by parasites transmitted through mosquito bites. While Arteether is administered by injection, Lumefantrine is taken by mouth. There are no specific food restrictions for either medicine, but it is important to follow the healthcare provider's instructions and complete the full course of treatment to effectively clear the infection.
For how long is combination of Arteether and Lumefantrine taken?
Arteether is typically used for a short duration, often administered over a period of three days. It is an antimalarial medication, which means it is used to treat malaria, a disease caused by parasites transmitted through mosquito bites. Arteether is usually given as an injection. Lumefantrine, on the other hand, is often used in combination with another antimalarial drug called artemether. This combination is usually taken orally over a period of three days as well. Lumefantrine works by interfering with the growth of the malaria parasite in the blood. Both Arteether and Lumefantrine are used to treat malaria, and they share the common goal of eliminating the malaria parasite from the body. However, Arteether is administered by injection, while Lumefantrine is taken orally. Both are typically used for a short duration of three days.
How long does it take for combination of Arteether and Lumefantrine to work?
The time it takes for a combination medicine to start working depends on the individual medicines involved. For example, if the combination includes ibuprofen, which is a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory drug, it typically starts working within 20 to 30 minutes. On the other hand, if the combination includes acetaminophen, which is another pain reliever, it usually begins to work within 30 to 60 minutes. Both medicines are used to relieve pain and reduce fever, which means they share the common attribute of providing pain relief. However, ibuprofen also reduces inflammation, which is swelling and redness, while acetaminophen does not. Therefore, the combination medicine may start working within 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the specific medicines included and their unique attributes.
Warnings and Precautions
Are there harms and risks from taking combination of Arteether and Lumefantrine?
Arteether, which is used to treat malaria, can cause side effects like dizziness, headache, and nausea, which is a feeling of sickness with an inclination to vomit. Significant adverse effects may include liver dysfunction, which refers to impaired liver function, and neurotoxicity, which is damage to the nervous system. Lumefantrine, also used for malaria, may cause headache, dizziness, and loss of appetite. Serious adverse effects can include heart rhythm changes, which are irregular heartbeats. Both drugs share common side effects like headache and dizziness. However, Arteether is more associated with liver and nervous system issues, while Lumefantrine is linked to heart-related problems. It's important to monitor for these effects and consult a healthcare provider if they occur.
Can I take combination of Arteether and Lumefantrine with other prescription drugs?
Arteether, which is used to treat malaria, can interact with other medications that affect the liver enzymes, which are proteins that help break down substances in the body. This can change how Arteether works or increase side effects. Lumefantrine, which is also used to treat malaria, can interact with drugs that affect heart rhythm, which refers to the regular beating of the heart. Both Arteether and Lumefantrine can interact with medications that affect the liver, which can lead to increased side effects or reduced effectiveness. It's important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking to avoid these interactions. Both drugs are used to treat malaria, which is a disease caused by parasites transmitted through mosquito bites, and they share the common goal of eliminating the malaria parasite from the body.
Can I take combination of Arteether and Lumefantrine if I am pregnant?
Arteether, which is an antimalarial drug, is used to treat malaria, a disease caused by parasites transmitted through mosquito bites. During pregnancy, the safety of Arteether is not well established. It is generally advised to avoid its use unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks, as malaria itself can be dangerous during pregnancy. Lumefantrine, which is also an antimalarial drug, is often combined with another drug called artemether to treat malaria. The safety of Lumefantrine during pregnancy is also not fully known. Like Arteether, it should only be used if the benefits justify the potential risks. Both drugs share the common purpose of treating malaria and have uncertain safety profiles during pregnancy. They should be used with caution, and healthcare providers usually weigh the risks and benefits before prescribing them to pregnant women.
Can I take combination of Arteether and Lumefantrine while breastfeeding?
Arteether, which is an antimalarial medication, has limited information available regarding its safety during breastfeeding. It is generally advised to use caution and consult a healthcare provider before using it while nursing. Lumefantrine, which is also an antimalarial drug, is often combined with artemether for treating malaria. There is more information available about lumefantrine, and it is considered relatively safe during breastfeeding, but it is still important to consult a healthcare provider. Both Arteether and Lumefantrine are used to treat malaria, which is a disease caused by parasites transmitted through mosquito bites. They share the common attribute of being antimalarial medications. However, due to the limited data on Arteether, it is crucial to seek medical advice before using it while breastfeeding. Lumefantrine, on the other hand, has more established safety data, but consulting a healthcare provider is still recommended.
Who should avoid taking combination of Arteether and Lumefantrine?
Arteether, which is used to treat malaria, can cause side effects like dizziness and nausea. It should be used with caution in people with liver problems, as it can affect liver function. Pregnant women should avoid it unless absolutely necessary, as it may harm the unborn baby. Lumefantrine, also used for malaria, can cause headaches and loss of appetite. It should not be used by people with heart problems, as it can affect heart rhythm. It is also not recommended for pregnant women unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Both Arteether and Lumefantrine share common warnings. They should be used with caution in people with kidney problems. Both can interact with other medications, so it's important to inform your doctor about any other drugs you are taking. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions when using these medications.
