Artemether-Lumefantrine
Brand: Coartem / Artefan / generic AL
Antimalarial
ACT (artemisinin combination therapy)
Chemistry
Structure
Pharmacokinetics
| Half-life | 3 days |
| Clearance Route | hepatic |
| Active Metabolites | yes |
| Notes | Artemether: t½ ~1–3 h, rapid parasite clearance. Lumefantrine: t½ ~3–6 days, provides post-treatment prophylaxis. Dosing is weight-banded and always with fat-containing food. |
⚠️ Safety & Warnings
Severity: Moderate
Adverse Effects:
Headache, dizziness, GI upset, palpitations; mild transient ECG changes (QT prolongation) possible.
Contraindications:
Severe malaria (requires IV artesunate); known hypersensitivity to artemisinins or lumefantrine.
Precautions:
Avoid with other QT-prolonging drugs if possible; give with fatty food or milk to improve lumefantrine absorption; use recommended weight-based schedule only.