Artem DS Plus Tablet 40mg / 240mg

About Artem DS Plus Tablet 40mg / 240mg

Artem DS Plus Tablet 40mg / 240mg Uses

• Treats acute, uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, prescribed once a malaria blood test confirms infection.
• Used as the lower strength option in the Artem DS Plus range, dosed according to the patient's body weight as determined by a doctor.
• Suitable for patients whose prescribed dosing chart calls for this specific tablet strength rather than the higher 80mg / 480mg strength.

Artem DS Plus Tablet 40mg / 240mg Benefits

• Provides the same two part antimalarial action as its higher strength sibling, matched to a patient's specific weight based dose.
• Reduces fever, chills, and body aches within the first day or two of starting treatment in most patients.
• Supports a high cure rate for uncomplicated malaria when the complete six dose course is finished as directed.
• Available as a convenient tablet form that does not require hospital administration.

What Experts Say

Doctors choose the tablet strength within the Artem DS Plus range that matches a patient's body weight, since Artemether and Lumefantrine dosing is calculated per kilogram rather than as one fixed adult amount. Getting the strength right lowers the chance of an underdose that fails to clear the infection.

Physicians recommend taking every dose with a fatty meal, since food meaningfully improves how well Lumefantrine is absorbed. Patients with a history of irregular heartbeat are monitored more closely, since this combination can affect the heart electrical activity, especially alongside certain other medicines.

Finishing all six scheduled doses matters as much with this strength as with the higher one, since a partial course lets surviving parasites develop resistance. Doctors typically review symptom progress and may request a follow up blood test once the course is complete, particularly if fever persists beyond 72 hours after treatment starts.

Drug Class

• Antimalarial
• Artemisinin Combination Therapy (ACT)

Artem DS Plus Tablet 40mg / 240mg formula

• Artemether + Lumefantrine

Available forms

• Tablet

How to use Artem DS Plus Tablet 40mg / 240mg?

• Take Artem DS Plus Tablet 40mg / 240mg exactly as prescribed for the confirmed dose and full duration.
• Swallow the tablet with a fatty meal or snack such as milk, yogurt, or a full meal to improve absorption.
• Complete the full three day, six dose treatment course even if symptoms improve after the first few doses.
• Take each dose at the scheduled interval, usually at 0, 8, 24, 36, 48, and 60 hours from the first dose.
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered and continue the remaining schedule without doubling the next dose.
• If vomiting occurs within one hour of a dose, repeat that same dose.
• Do not use this medicine to prevent malaria; it treats an active confirmed infection only.

Drug Interactions

• Rifampicin: Can reduce Artemether and Lumefantrine blood levels and lower treatment effectiveness.
• Azole Antifungals: Drugs such as Ketoconazole can raise Lumefantrine levels and increase the risk of heart rhythm side effects.
• Macrolide Antibiotics: Erythromycin and similar antibiotics may add to the QT prolonging effect.
• Antiretroviral Drugs: Certain HIV medicines can change Artemether and Lumefantrine levels, requiring dose caution.
• Other Antimalarials: Combining with Mefloquine or Quinine raises the risk of heart rhythm problems.
• Hormonal Contraceptives: Effectiveness may be reduced during treatment; a backup contraceptive method is advised.

Risks and warnings

• Not For Severe Malaria: This tablet treats uncomplicated malaria only; severe or cerebral malaria needs injectable antimalarial treatment in hospital.
• Heart Rhythm Risk: Artemether and Lumefantrine can prolong the heart QT interval, so caution is needed in patients with existing heart rhythm problems or a family history of sudden cardiac death.
• Pregnancy Caution: Avoid use in the first trimester unless no safer antimalarial option exists; later pregnancy use needs a doctor's advice.
• Liver Or Kidney Impairment: Use cautiously and under monitoring in patients with significant liver or kidney disease.
• Grapefruit Interaction: Avoid grapefruit juice during treatment since it can raise drug levels and increase side effect risk.
• Drug Resistance: Skipping doses or stopping early can let the malaria parasite survive and become resistant to treatment.

Artem DS Plus Tablet 40mg / 240mg Side Effects

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Sleep disturbances or insomnia
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue and weakness
• Joint and muscle pain
• Palpitations
• Skin rash or itching
• Cough
• Abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation) in rare cases

Storage Conditions

• Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Keep the tablets in their original blister strip until each dose is due.
• Protect from moisture; do not store in the bathroom or near a sink.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack.