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What is Artemether?

Artemether is an antimalarial agent for the treatment of uncomplicated acute malaria. For enhanced efficacy, it is given in combination with lumefantrine. This combination therapy exerts its effects against Plasmodium spp. erythrocytic stages. It can be used to treat infections caused by P.falciparum and unidentified species of Plasmodium, including chloroquine-resistant infections.

Artemether Uses

This medicine is used to treat adults and kids with malaria. In this prescription, the two ingredients belong to a class of drugs known as antimalarials. Malaria is an infection caused by mosquito bites acquired in regions of the world where malaria is prevalent while travelling or living. Parasites of malaria enter the body and reside in tissues in the body, such as red blood cells or the liver. This drug is used to destroy the parasites of malaria that reside within red blood cells. In some cases, in order to kill the malaria parasites living in the liver, you will need to take a different drug (such as primaquine). Both treatments may be appropriate for a full cure and to prevent infection from returning (relapse). For the prevention of malaria, this substance is not used.

Artemether Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of Artemether are:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weakness
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Abdominal pain
  • Cough
  • Trouble sleeping

Some of the serious side effects of Artemether are

  • Rash
  • Itching/ swelling
  • Severe dizziness
  • Trouble breathing
  • If you have any of these serious symptoms immediately contact the doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Artemether if you get any kind of reactions in the body try avoiding it.
  • A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing the problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. Majority of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Artemether side effects.

Precautions

Before taking Artemether talk with the doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause some serious problems. Before using Artemether talk with the doctor if you are having any medical history such as:

  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems
  • Stomach disease
  • Ulcers

Artemether can cause severe conditions which can affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation will rarely cause some serious and irregular heartbeat and other symptoms which needs medical attention.

How to take Artemether?

Take this medicine orally, with food, just as your doctor has prescribed it. Usually, this drug is taken twice a day for 3 days with a meal (6 doses), or as instructed by your doctor. Take the first dose of food on the first day of therapy, followed 8 hours later by your second dose. Then you can take one dose in the morning and one dose in the evening per day for the next 2 days. With food or milk, infant formula, pudding, porridge, or broth, it is necessary to take every dose of this drug. Food helps function well with this drug. If you are not able to eat, tell your doctor. With food or milk, infant formula, pudding, porridge, or broth, it is necessary to take every dose of this drug. Food helps function well with this drug. If you are not able to eat, tell your doctor.

Overdose

Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Artemether tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.

Missed dose

Missing one or two-dose of Artemether won’t show any effect on the body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.

Interactions

Drug interactions can affect the working of the drugs or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all potential drug interactions are included in this paper. Keep a list and share it with the doctor and pharmacist of all the medications you use (including prescription/nonprescription medicines and herbal products). Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drug without being treated by the doctor.

Before the treatment with artemether/lumefantrine, be sure to tell your doctor about any drugs you take for malaria. Within one month of treatment with artemether/lumefantrine, certain antimalarial medications (such as halofantrine) should not be used. A severe (possibly fatal) association with drugs can occur in some cases.

Storage

Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.

Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).

Before taking Artemether consult your Doctor. In case if you face any problems or get anyside effects after taking Artemether rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take Artemether.

Artemether vs Artesunate

Artemether

Artesunate
Artemether is an antimalarial agent for the treatment of uncomplicated acute malaria. For enhanced efficacy, it is given in combination with lumefantrin. Artesunate is indicated for the initial treatment of moderate malaria. Artesunate is recommended by the World Health Organization for first-line treatment of severe malaria.
This medicine is used to treat adults and kids with malaria. In this prescription, the two ingredients belong to a class of drugs known as antimalarials. Artesunate is used for the treatment of malaria.
Some of the common side effects of Artemether are:
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weakness
  • Fever
 Some of the common side effects of Artesunate are:
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Hives
  • Rash

Citations

Artemether in Severe Malaria — Still Too Many Deaths
Efficacy of six doses of artemether-lumefantrine (benflumetol) in multidrug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Artemether used for?

Artemether and lumefantrine are used in combination to treat malaria infections (a serious infection that is spread by mosquitoes in certain parts of the world and can cause death).

Is Artemether an antibiotic?

Lumefantrine, a broad-spectrum antibiotic that stays for about seven days in the body. Coartem, the more lethal type is the most successful treatment for Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Artemether is a rather effective, yet quick-clearing drug, which is why both it and lumefantrine are taken.

What are the side effects of Artemether?

Some of the common side effects of Artemether are:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weakness
  • Fever

Why is Artemether not given IV?

For the treatment of serious malarial patients, intravenous (iv) or intramuscular (im) artesunate, a water-soluble artemisinin analogue, and im artemether are increasingly used. There is no IV preparation of artemether unlike artesunate, as artemether is insoluble in water and needs to be dissolved in edible oils.

How do you use Artemether?

Take lumefantrine with food, milk, pudding, oatmeal, or broth. For simplified swallowing, the tablet can be crushed and combined with 1 or 2 teaspoons of water. When giving this drug to a child, you can also combine a crushed tablet with infant formula.

How do you inject Artemether?

Artemether is delivered by intramuscular injection into the anterior thigh, diluted in oil (groundnut, sesame seed). Therapeutic dosage: Artemether's initial dose is 3.2 mg/kg BW intramuscularly (to the anterior thigh). The intramuscular maintenance dosage is 1.6 mg/kg BW daily.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.