Arthemed Tablets 80/480mg ACT x6

Arthemed Tablets 80/480mg is a fixed-dose combination antimalarial medication containing Artemether (80mg) and Lumefantrine (480mg). This dual-action formulation is designed to effectively treat acute, uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, including in areas with multi-drug resistant strains.

Uses

Arthemed is primarily used for:

• Treatment of acute, uncomplicated malaria in adults and children
• Management of malaria in areas with known drug resistance
• First-line treatment in many malaria-endemic regions

Benefits

• Highly effective against P. falciparum malaria
• Combination therapy reduces parasite resistance risk
• Provides rapid action in reducing parasite load
• Generally well-tolerated in most patients
• Suitable for both adults and children with weight-based dosing
• Effective against multi-drug resistant strains
• Short treatment duration improves compliance
• Proven efficacy in endemic regions

How It Works

Artemether rapidly reduces the parasite biomass through quick-acting antimalarial effects, while Lumefantrine eliminates residual parasites with its longer half-life. This combination attacks malaria parasites at different stages of their life cycle, ensuring complete treatment and preventing recurrence.

Dosage

Take Arthemed with food or milk to enhance absorption. Complete the full course as prescribed by healthcare provider.

Duration of Action

Arthemed begins working within hours of the first dose. Artemether provides rapid parasite clearance within 24-48 hours, while Lumefantrine’s longer half-life continues eliminating parasites and prevents recurrence for several weeks after treatment completion.

Side Effects

Common side effects include headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, and loss of appetite. These effects are generally mild and resolve as treatment progresses. Serious side effects are rare but may include severe allergic reactions or cardiac effects requiring immediate medical attention.

Warning

Not recommended in the first trimester of pregnancy unless no other suitable treatment is available. Use with caution in patients with cardiac or hepatic disorders. Avoid grapefruit juice during treatment as it may increase drug levels. This medication may cause dizziness; use caution when driving or operating machinery.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Arthemed should be avoided in first trimester pregnancy unless benefits clearly outweigh risks and no alternatives exist. It may be used in second and third trimesters when malaria poses significant maternal risk. Limited data exists on breastfeeding safety, though treatment is generally considered when maternal malaria requires intervention.

Interaction

• Grapefruit juice may increase drug concentration levels
• Potential interactions with certain cardiac medications
• May reduce effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives
• Possible interactions with anticonvulsant medications
• May interact with other antimalarial drugs

Precaution

Use with caution in patients with liver or heart conditions. Monitor for signs of allergic reactions during treatment. Ensure proper malaria diagnosis before starting treatment. Complete the full course even if symptoms improve quickly. If vomiting occurs within 1 hour of taking dose, repeat the dose.

Important Information

Take Arthemed with food or milk to enhance absorption and reduce stomach irritation. Complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve quickly. If vomiting occurs within 1 hour of taking a dose, repeat the dose. Store below 30°C in original packaging. This medication does not prevent future malaria infections, so continue protective measures against mosquito bites.