Lumefantrine+Artemether

When should one not use Lumefantrine+Artemether

• If you are allergic to artemether and lumefantrine or any of the ingredients of Lumefantrine+Artemether.
• If you have a serious malarial infection with impaired body functions like difficulty in breathing, fits, kidney brain and liver-related problems.
• If you have a family history of irregular heartbeats or sudden death due to heart problems.
• If you are taking medicines such as Flecainide, Metoprolol, Imipramine, Amitriptyline, Clomipramine, Terfenadine, Astemizole or Cisapride.
• If you have heart diseases like irregular heart rhythm or heart failure.
• If you have an imbalance of electrolytes in your body due to fluid loss.

Common side effects of this drug are:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Headache
• Cough
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Muscle or joint pain

Other General Warnings

• You have a family history of irregular heartbeats or sudden death due to heart problems.
• You have heart disorders like irregular heartbeat, slow heart rate, etc.
• You have serious kidney and liver function problems.
• You are pregnant (first trimester) or planning a pregnancy.
• You are taking any other medicine to treat malaria-like Quinine or Mefloquine, special medical observation is required.
• Your existing disease condition gets worsened after taking this medicine, immediate attention of a doctor is required.
• You are an HIV positive patient and taking medicines to treat HIV.
• You are using pills as contraceptive measures, you need to use an alternative method of contraception like condoms at least for a month.

How Does It Work?

Interactions with other medicines

• Never take medicines like Clarithromycin, Ciprofloxacin, Fluconazole, Terfenadine, Flecainide, Cisapride with Lumefantrine+Artemether as it can lead to serious heart problems.
• Medicines like Metoprolol, Imipramine, Amitriptyline, Clomipramine, anti-malarial medicines like Mefloquine, Quinine should not be taken with this medicine.
• If you have taken Lumefantrine+Artemether, Rifampin, Carbamazepine and Phenytoin should not be taken for at least one month.
• Medicines used to treat HIV infection (antiretroviral) like Ritonavir, Nevirapine or Efavirenz may interact with this medicine and need caution.
• You should not take Lumefantrine+Artemether if you have taken Halofantrine - an anti-malarial medicine, within a month.
• Lumefantrine+Artemether interferes with the way oral contraceptive medication work. Thus it is advised to use alternative physical contraceptive measures like condoms during the treatment and at least one month post-treatment.
• Antifungal medicines like Ketoconazole may interact with this medicine and need caution.
• Discuss with your doctor about any other medicine, herbal preparation and supplements you are taking currently to avoid any possible interactions.

Interactions with food items

Overdose

Missed a Dose

• It would be best if you don't miss a dose of anti-malarial medicine as it may lead to treatment failure.
• If you have missed taking any dose of Lumefantrine+Artemether, take it as soon as you remember.
• If it's already the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
• Never take a double dose of medicine to compensate for the missed one.