Artem Ds Tablets 80/480mg

Medicine Name: Artem-Ds Plus Tablets 80/480mg

Artem-Ds Plus Specification Sheet
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Requires Prescription: ✅ Yes
Generics: Artemether and Lumefantrine
Used For: Treatment of Malaria
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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.
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Indications
•    Treatment of uncomplicated malaria, particularly Plasmodium falciparum infections.
•    Effective against drug-resistant strains when used as recommended.
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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.
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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
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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
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When Not to Use
•    Hypersensitivity to artemether or lumefantrine
•    Avoid use if there's a history of cardiac arrhythmia or QT prolongation
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Precautions
•    Avoid combining with other antimalarials unless absolutely necessary
•    Use with extreme caution in patients with:
o    Severe renal or hepatic impairment
o    Cardiac disorders
o    Electrolyte imbalances
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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.
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Pregnancy Category
⚠️ Always consult a physician before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding
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Storage
✅ Yes — Store at room temperature, away from direct light and heat