Artem Plus Suspension 15mg / 90mg

About Artem Plus Suspension 15mg / 90mg

Artem Plus Suspension Uses

• Treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria
• Malaria treatment in children who cannot swallow tablets
• Mixed malaria infections involving Plasmodium falciparum

Artem Plus Suspension Benefits

• Fast acting combination that clears parasites quickly from the blood
• Reduces the chance of drug resistant malaria compared to using artemether alone
• Suspension form makes dosing easier for young children
• Short three day course improves treatment completion

What Experts Say

Artemether and lumefantrine work together against the malaria parasite in a way that lowers the risk of resistance developing. Artemether acts quickly to reduce the parasite count, while lumefantrine has a longer effect that clears any remaining parasites left circulating in the bloodstream after the first doses.

In Pakistan, this combination is a preferred first line treatment for uncomplicated falciparum malaria because of its strong cure rates and good safety record in children. Pediatricians typically calculate the dose by body weight to ensure the child receives an effective yet safe amount.

Pakistani physicians emphasize that the medicine works best when taken with fatty food, since lumefantrine absorption depends heavily on dietary fat. Doctors also caution that stopping the course early, even after symptoms improve, can allow the infection to return or promote drug resistance in future infections.

Drug Class

• Antimalarial combination
• Artemisinin derivative (Artemether)
• Aryl amino alcohol (Lumefantrine)

Artem Plus Suspension 15mg / 90mg formula

• Artemether 15mg + Lumefantrine 90mg

Available forms

• Suspension

How to use Artem Plus Suspension 15mg / 90mg?

• The bottle should be shaken well before each dose to ensure even mixing.
• Dosing is based on the child's body weight and is usually given twice daily for three days.
• Administration with milk or a fatty snack improves absorption of the medicine.
• The full course must be completed even if the child feels better after a day or two.
• A missed dose should be given as soon as possible, with the next dose timed accordingly under medical advice.

Drug Interactions

• Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Combining this suspension with medicines like amiodarone raises the risk of dangerous heart rhythm changes.
• Certain Antibiotics: Macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin can increase heart rhythm risks when combined with this medicine.
• Antifungal Medicines: Drugs like ketoconazole can raise blood levels of lumefantrine and increase side effects.
• Grapefruit Juice: This can increase absorption of the medicine and should be avoided during treatment.
• Other Antimalarials: Combining with mefloquine or halofantrine is generally avoided due to added heart rhythm risk.

Risks and warnings

• Heart Rhythm Risk: This medicine can affect heart rhythm, so caution is needed in children with existing heart conditions or those on other heart rhythm medicines.
• First Trimester Pregnancy: Use during early pregnancy should only happen if the benefit clearly outweighs the risk, under medical advice.
• Liver Function: Patients with significant liver impairment need close monitoring during treatment.
• Food Requirement: This suspension should be given with milk or a fatty meal, since absorption drops significantly on an empty stomach.
• Not for Severe Malaria: This combination is meant for uncomplicated malaria only and is not suitable for severe or complicated cases.

Artem Plus Suspension Side Effects

• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Headache and dizziness
• Abdominal pain
• Sleep disturbances
• Mild fever after starting treatment
• Weakness or fatigue
• Skin rash
• Irregular heartbeat, which needs immediate medical attention
• Signs of liver problems such as yellowing of the skin or eyes

Storage Conditions

• Store below 30 degrees Celsius in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
• Shake the bottle well before every dose to keep the suspension evenly mixed.
• Keep the cap tightly closed between doses to prevent contamination.
• Discard any unused suspension after the treatment course is completed, since reconstituted suspensions are not meant for long term storage.
• Keep out of reach of children.