ARTEM-DS PLUS 80/480MG

Artem-Ds Plus Specification Sheet

Requires Prescription: ✅ Yes
Generics: Artemether and Lumefantrine
Used For: Treatment of Malaria

How It Works

• Artemether contains an endoperoxide bridge that generates cytotoxic free radicals in the malarial parasite, damaging and killing it.
• Lumefantrine works by interfering with the conversion of heme to hemozoin in the parasite, which is essential for its survival.
• Together, they act on different stages of the parasite lifecycle for effective clearance.

Indications

• Treatment of uncomplicated malaria, particularly Plasmodium falciparum infections.
• Effective against drug-resistant strains when used as recommended.

Dosage

• Active Ingredients: Artemether + Lumefantrine
• Must be taken with fatty food for optimal absorption.
• Dosage as prescribed by a healthcare professional, usually in a six-dose schedule over 3 days.

Side Effects

Very Common:

• Palpitations, headache, dizziness
• Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, anorexia
• Arthralgia, myalgia, asthenia (weakness), fatigue
• Sleep disturbances

Common:

• Diarrhea, rash, cough, insomnia
• Pruritus (itching), amnesia, paraesthesia
• Gait disturbances, QT prolongation on ECG

Uncommon:

• Elevated liver enzymes
• Neurological symptoms: clonus, ataxia, hypoesthesia, somnolence

Drug Interactions

Avoid concurrent use with drugs that affect CYP3A4 or CYP2D6, such as:

• CYP3A4 inhibitors: erythromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, cimetidine, HIV protease inhibitors
• CYP2D6 inhibitors: flecainide, metoprolol, imipramine, amitriptyline
• Mefloquine – may reduce the bioavailability of lumefantrine

When Not to Use

• Hypersensitivity to artemether or lumefantrine
• Avoid use if there's a history of cardiac arrhythmia or QT prolongation

Precautions

• Avoid combining with other antimalarials unless absolutely necessary
• Use with extreme caution in patients with:
• Severe renal or hepatic impairment
• Cardiac disorders
• Electrolyte imbalances

Warnings

Warning 1:
Patients with renal, hepatic, or cardiac conditions require close ECG monitoring and electrolyte correction before and during treatment.

Warning 2:
Caution when combining with other CYP3A4-metabolized drugs, as therapeutic levels may be altered.

Warning 3:
Patients unable to consume food during treatment should be closely monitored, as treatment failure or recrudescence risk increases with reduced drug absorption.

Pregnancy Category

⚠️ Always consult a physician before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding

Storage

✅ Yes — Store at room temperature, away from direct light and heat