Description
Artemether and Lumefantrine Tablets are an oral fixed-dose combination used for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria, including cases resistant to other antimalarial agents such as chloroquine or sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. This combination is part of the World Health Organization (WHO)–recommended artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) and is highly effective in rapidly reducing the parasite load and preventing recurrence.
- Artemether is a fast-acting artemisinin derivative that quickly kills malaria parasites in the blood.
- Lumefantrine is a longer-acting antimalarial that helps eliminate residual parasites and prevents reinfection.
Together, they work synergistically to reduce parasite biomass rapidly and minimize the risk of drug resistance.
Mechanism of Action:
- Artemether produces free radicals inside the parasite-infected red blood cells, damaging vital parasite proteins and leading to rapid parasite clearance.
- Lumefantrine interferes with the parasite’s ability to detoxify heme, a byproduct of hemoglobin digestion, leading to accumulation of toxic substances within the parasite and its eventual death.
Indications:
- Treatment of acute uncomplicated malaria due to Plasmodium falciparum, including strains resistant to chloroquine, mefloquine, or sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine.
- Can also be used for mixed infections involving P. falciparum.
