Alar Tablet 40mg / 240mg

About Alar Tablet 40mg / 240mg

Alar Tablet Uses

• Treatment of acute uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria
• Treatment of mixed malaria infections that include P. falciparum
• First line antimalarial therapy for adults and children above 35kg body weight

Alar Tablet Benefits

• Combines two artemisinin based mechanisms for rapid parasite clearance
• Delivers a double strength dose per tablet, so fewer tablets are needed at each dose
• Lowers the chance of resistance compared to artemisinin used alone
• Brings down fever and parasite counts within 24 to 48 hours in most patients

What Experts Say

Artemether acts fast against the malaria parasite. Once inside red blood cells infected with Plasmodium falciparum, it is activated by heme released from hemoglobin breakdown, forming free radicals that damage parasite proteins and membranes. This rapidly lowers parasite numbers within the first day of therapy, which is why fever usually settles quickly once treatment starts.

Lumefantrine works on a slower timeline. Its longer half life keeps drug levels in the blood well past the three day course, clearing any parasites that survive the initial artemether action and preventing early recrudescence. The 40mg/240mg strength gives adult patients fewer tablets per dose than the standard 20mg/120mg strength, supporting adherence to the full six dose schedule.

Physicians in Pakistan stress fat intake at each dose, since lumefantrine absorption depends heavily on co-administered fat and drops sharply on an empty stomach. Cardiac screening is also routine, since both components carry a theoretical QT interval effect, so prescribers check for other QT prolonging drugs before starting therapy.

Drug Class

• Antimalarial
• Artemisinin combination therapy (ACT)

Alar Tablet 40mg / 240mg formula

• Artemether + Lumefantrine

Available forms

• Tablet

How to use Alar Tablet 40mg / 240mg?

• Take one Alar Tablet 40mg/240mg by mouth as directed by your doctor
• Take the first dose, then a second dose 8 hours later on day one
• Take one dose every morning and evening on day two and day three, for six doses in total
• Take each dose with milk, yogurt, or a meal containing fat to help the body absorb the medicine
• Complete the full three day course even if fever and symptoms improve earlier
• Do not double a dose if one is missed, take it as soon as you remember and continue the normal schedule

Drug Interactions

• Rifampicin: Reduces artemether and lumefantrine blood levels and can lower how well this tablet works.
• Ketoconazole and Other CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Can raise lumefantrine levels and increase the risk of heart rhythm side effects.
• Other QT Prolonging Drugs: Combining with medicines such as certain antibiotics or antipsychotics raises the risk of abnormal heart rhythm.
• Antiretroviral Drugs: Some HIV medicines can change artemether and lumefantrine levels, so dose review is needed in patients on antiretroviral therapy.
• Grapefruit Juice: Can raise lumefantrine blood levels and should be avoided during treatment.
• Hormonal Contraceptives: This tablet may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal birth control, so a backup method is advised during treatment.

Risks and warnings

• Heart Rhythm Changes: Both components can prolong the QT interval, so this tablet needs caution in patients with existing heart rhythm problems.
• Pregnancy: Use in the first trimester only if no safer alternative is available and a doctor confirms the benefit outweighs the risk.
• Liver Disease: Patients with significant liver impairment need closer monitoring since both drugs are processed by the liver.
• Recurrent Malaria: A repeat episode within a month should be treated with a different antimalarial, not a second course of this tablet.
• Severe Malaria: Not intended for severe or complicated falciparum malaria, which needs injectable treatment in a hospital setting.

Alar Tablet 40mg / 240mg Side Effects

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Muscle and joint pain
• Weakness and tiredness
• Sleep disturbance
• Palpitations
• Skin rash or itching
• Abnormal heart rhythm in rare cases
• Signs of liver stress such as yellowing of the skin or eyes

Storage Conditions

• Store below 30 degrees Celsius in a cool, dry place
• Keep the strip inside its original carton away from direct sunlight
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack