Coartem (Artemether/Lumefantrine) is a prescription medication used to treat non-severe malaria. Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite that spreads to humans through mosquito bites. Malaria parasites enter the body and live in tissues such as red blood cells or the liver. The active ingredients in Coartem are Artemether and Lumefantrine. Artemether and Lumefantrine belong to a class of medications called antimalarials. They work by killing the organisms that cause malaria.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Coartem from the United Kingdom, also called Riamet, manufactured by Novartis in the strength of 20mg/120mg tablets. The generic Artemether/Lumefantrine is not available.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Coartem. The most common side effects of Coartem may include the following:
• Appetite loss;
• Dizziness;
• Headache;
• Nausea;
• Weakness
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Chest pain;
• Pounding heartbeat;
• Severe dizziness;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat
These are not all of the side effects of Coartem. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Coartem if you are allergic to Artemether, Lumefantrine, or any ingredient in Coartem. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant;
• Have a family history of QT prolongation in the EKG;
• Have certain heart problems;
• Have low levels of magnesium or potassium in the blood;
• Have severe diarrhea or vomiting
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Coartem and other medicines, like ketoconazole, mefloquine, efavirenz, ritonavir, St. John’s wort, carbamazepine, phenytoin, etc. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is unknown if this drug will harm an unborn baby. Use a barrier form of birth control to prevent pregnancy. Hormonal contraception may not be effective enough to prevent pregnancy during your treatment. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. It is unknown if Artemether/Lumefantrine passes into breast milk or if they may harm your nursing infant. Use this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes. Coartem is a tablet. Take the drug with food, milk, oatmeal, or pudding. Food helps the medication work better. If you or your child cannot swallow tablets, you can crush and mix the tablet with 1 or 2 teaspoons of water for easier swallowing. You may also mix the crushed tablet with infant formula before giving the drug to a child. If you vomit within 1 hour of taking this medication, take another dose. If your vomiting continues or you cannot eat, contact your doctor. Coartem is usually given as a total of 6 doses over three days. Your dosage will be based on your weight and age. On the first day of your treatment, take your first dose with food and your second dose 8 hours later. Then, each day for the next two days, take one dose in the morning and one in the evening. Do not take grapefruit juice while using this drug. Taking grapefruit products while using Coartem may lead to unwanted side effects. Coartem may make you dizzy or weak. Do not take alcohol while using the drug. Avoid driving or using machinery while using the drug until you can do it safely. Store this drug at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.