Artem DS Plus Tablet 80mg / 480mg

About Artem DS Plus Tablet 80mg / 480mg

Artem DS Plus Tablet 80mg / 480mg Uses

• Treats acute, uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum in adults confirmed positive on a malaria blood test.
• Given as a single higher strength tablet per dose so the standard six dose antimalarial course needs fewer tablets each time.
• Used when a doctor has assessed body weight and confirmed this strength is the correct dose for the patient.

Artem DS Plus Tablet 80mg / 480mg Benefits

• Combines two antimalarial actions in one tablet so parasites are cleared through two different mechanisms at once.
• Fewer tablets needed per dose compared with standard strength combination tablets, which can help patients finish the full course.
• Fast relief from fever, chills, and body aches, often within the first day or two once treatment begins.
• High cure rate for uncomplicated malaria when all six doses are completed on schedule.

What Experts Say

Doctors prescribe Artemether with Lumefantrine because the two drugs clear malaria parasites through different mechanisms, which lowers the risk of resistance compared with using a single antimalarial alone. A higher combined tablet strength like this one lets an adult complete each scheduled dose with one tablet rather than several smaller ones.

Physicians recommend taking every dose with a fatty meal, since food significantly improves how well Lumefantrine is absorbed into the bloodstream. Patients with existing heart rhythm problems are monitored more closely, because this combination can affect the heart electrical activity when used alongside certain other medicines.

Completing all six doses on schedule matters more with this combination than with many other treatments, since an incomplete course lets surviving parasites develop resistance. Doctors treating a confirmed malaria case generally reassess symptoms and, when needed, order a repeat blood test after the full course ends.

Drug Class

• Antimalarial
• Artemisinin Combination Therapy (ACT)

Artem DS Plus Tablet 80mg / 480mg formula

• Artemether + Lumefantrine

Available forms

• Tablet

How to use Artem DS Plus Tablet 80mg / 480mg?

• Take Artem DS Plus Tablet 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 80mg / 480mg 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.