Artemether and Lumefantrine Oral suspension

Description

Artemether and Lumefantrine Oral Suspension belong to a class of “anti-malarial drugs” which are used in the treatment and prevention of malaria where malaria is a disease caused by a plasmodium parasite, transmitted by the bitting of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. Whenever an infected mosquito bites a healthy person then it transmits its “plasmodium parasite” into the bloodstream which affects the RBCs and liver cells. Malaria symptoms usually start within 10 days to 4 weeks after the infection which includes; high fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain, profuse sweating, chills, nausea, abdominal pain, anaemia, coma and bloody stools.

Artemether and Lumefantrine Oral Suspension contain two medicines that include; Artemether and Lumefantrine where these drugs are anti-malarial that interferes with the Plasmodium parasite’s growth in the RBCs of the human body. This Suspension is a combination that is used in the treatment of non-severe malaria caused by a parasite called “Plasmodium Falciparum”. Artemether is known to reduce parasite biomass while Lumefantrine helps in eliminating residual parasites.

Medical Benefits

• This suspension is a combination of non-severe malaria which is caused by a parasite called “Plasmodium Falciparum”, and other plasmodium species.
• This medicine interferes with the growth of plasmodium parasites in the RBCs of the human body.
• It works by hindering nucleic acid and protein synthesis in Plasmodium falciparum.
• Artemether reduces parasite biomass and Lumefantrine eliminates residual parasites.

Directions For Use

• Shake the bottle well before use.
• Take Artemether and Lumefantrine Oral Suspension with the help of a measuring cup that is provided with the pack.
• Check the label for directions and take it with or without food in doses as prescribed by the doctor with the help of a measuring cup.

Storage

• Store in a cool and dry place.
• Keep it away from sunlight.
• Keep out of the reach of children.

Precautions

• It may interact with other anti-malarial drugs (mefloquine, quinine, quinidine), drugs treating abnormal heart rhythms (flecainide, amiodarone, sotalol, procainamide, disopyramide), antipsychotics (pimozide, ziprasidone), etc.
• Grapefruit juice may affect the efficacy of Artemether and Lumefantrine Oral Suspension; hence please avoid it during treatment with it.
• This medicine is not recommended during breastfeeding. Once you have completed the course, you should wait at least one week before starting to breastfeed again. Please consult your doctor before taking it.
• Avoid or limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine.
• This suspension is not recommended during the first three months of pregnancy. Your doctor may recommend other alternative medication.

Side Effects

• Weakness
• Fever
• Chills
• Tiredness
• Muscle/joint pain
• Nausea

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I am a heart disease patient, can I take this medicine?

It may affect the heart rhythm and cause QT prolongation (heart muscle takes longer than usual to recharge between beats). This QT prolongation can cause a serious fast/irregular heartbeat. Hence it is advised to inform your doctor if you have any heart-related problems like heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in EKG or ECG (electrocardiogram) and a family history of heart diseases.

When should I avoid taking this suspension?

It is not recommended in cases of any liver or kidney problems, malarial infection of the brain, lungs or kidneys, severe heart diseases and electrolyte imbalance. Also, let your doctor know if you have recently undergone treatment with other anti-malarial drugs.

What happens if I miss a dose of this medicine?

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.