artemether + lumefantrine at a glance
Medicine class
Artemisinin-based combination antimalarial
Licensed use
Acute uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in adults, children and infants weighing at least 5 kg
Food
Take with food or a milky drink to improve absorption
Important limitation
Not for malaria prevention or severe malaria
What is artemether + lumefantrine used for?
The selected product is licensed for:
Acute uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum in adults, children and infants weighing at least 5 kg.
It is not licensed for malaria prevention, severe malaria or malaria caused solely by other Plasmodium species.
How does artemether + lumefantrine work?
Both components act against malaria parasites in red blood cells. Artemether forms reactive products that damage the parasite, while lumefantrine disrupts detoxification of haem released during haemoglobin breakdown.
artemether + lumefantrine preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 20 mg + 120 mg
How to take artemether + lumefantrine
Follow the prescription exactly.
Take tablets with food or a milky drink; absorption may be lower with water alone.
If vomiting occurs within one hour, promptly ask the treating team whether replacement is required.
Tablets may be crushed immediately before giving them to small children or infants.
Avoid driving or operating machinery if dizziness, sleepiness, weakness or fatigue occurs.
artemether + lumefantrine side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache or dizziness
- Reduced appetite or sleep disturbance
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or diarrhoea
- Cough
- Muscle or joint aches
- Weakness or fatigue
- Palpitations
- Rash or itching
Get urgent medical advice
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Fainting or a significant heartbeat disturbance
- Possible liver problems, such as persistent nausea, appetite loss or unusual weakness
- Delayed breakdown of red blood cells and anaemia, which can occur weeks after treatment
artemether + lumefantrine in pregnancy
Malaria during pregnancy requires urgent specialist management. Product information prefers a suitable effective alternative during the first trimester where available, but treatment should not be withheld in a life-threatening situation. Later use depends on expected maternal benefit and fetal risk. Current UK traveller guidance says it can be used in any trimester when needed.
artemether + lumefantrine while breastfeeding
Human milk data are unavailable. Product information advises not breastfeeding during treatment and waiting at least one week after the final administration before restarting, unless a specialist judges that benefits outweigh risks.
artemether + lumefantrine interactions
Check all prescribed, over-the-counter and herbal products because clinically important interactions are numerous.
QT-prolonging medicines
Certain antiarrhythmics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, antibiotics, antifungals and antihistamines are contraindicated because combined use may cause dangerous heart-rhythm abnormalities.
CYP2D6 substrates
Medicines including metoprolol and some tricyclic antidepressants are contraindicated because lumefantrine inhibits their metabolism.
Rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin and St John's wort
These strong CYP3A4 inducers are contraindicated because they can substantially reduce antimalarial exposure and effectiveness.
Common questions about artemether + lumefantrine
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is it used to prevent malaria?
No. The selected product treats acute uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria; it does not prevent infection.
Can it treat severe malaria?
No. Severe malaria requires urgent hospital treatment using an appropriate alternative approach.
Why should it be taken with food or milk?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.