Artem Plus Tablet 20mg / 120mg

About Artem Plus Tablet 20mg / 120mg

Artem Plus Tablet Uses

• Treatment of acute uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum
• Treatment of mixed malaria infections that include a Plasmodium falciparum component
• Used in adults and children weighing more than 5 kg as directed by a physician
• Prescribed as a first line antimalarial in Pakistan where falciparum malaria is common in the monsoon season

Artem Plus Tablet Benefits

• Clears malaria parasites from the blood quickly, often within three days of treatment
• Combination action reduces the chance of the parasite developing resistance to a single drug
• Well tolerated fixed dose combination that simplifies a six dose treatment schedule
• Widely available and affordable option for malaria treatment across Pakistan

What Experts Say

Physicians describe Artemether and Lumefantrine as one of the most effective combinations available for falciparum malaria. Artemether acts fast to reduce the parasite count in the first two days of treatment. Lumefantrine has a longer half life and clears any remaining parasites over the following days, which helps prevent early relapse.

Doctors emphasize that the tablet must always be taken with fatty food or milk, since fat significantly improves how much Lumefantrine the body absorbs. Missing this step is a common reason treatment fails. Physicians also stress finishing the full six dose course over three days, since stopping early allows surviving parasites to multiply again.

Malaria remains a genuine public health concern in Pakistan, particularly during and after the monsoon season when mosquito breeding increases. Physicians recommend confirming the diagnosis with a blood smear or rapid diagnostic test before starting treatment, and repeating a blood test after treatment completion to confirm the parasite has cleared, especially in patients with a high initial parasite load.

Drug Class

• Artemisinin combination antimalarial (Artemether)
• Aryl amino alcohol antimalarial (Lumefantrine)

Artem Plus Tablet 20mg / 120mg formula

• Artemether + Lumefantrine

Available forms

• Tablet

How to use Artem Plus Tablet 20mg / 120mg?

• Take Artem Plus Tablet exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually as a six dose course over three days
• Take each dose with fatty food or a glass of milk to help the body absorb the medicine properly
• The usual adult schedule is one dose at diagnosis, one dose after eight hours, then one dose twice daily for the next two days
• Swallow the tablet whole with water, do not crush or chew unless your doctor advises otherwise
• If a dose is vomited within one hour of taking it, repeat the same dose
• Complete the full course even if you feel better after one or two doses

Drug Interactions

• Other QT Prolonging Drugs: Combining with medicines that affect heart rhythm, such as certain antibiotics or antipsychotics, can increase the risk of an irregular heartbeat
• CYP3A4 Inducers: Medicines like rifampicin, carbamazepine, and phenytoin can lower blood levels of Artemether and Lumefantrine and reduce effectiveness
• CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Antifungal drugs such as ketoconazole and certain HIV medicines can raise blood levels and increase side effect risk
• Grapefruit Juice: May increase Lumefantrine levels in the blood and should be avoided during treatment
• Mefloquine: Concurrent use is generally avoided due to overlapping antimalarial mechanisms

Risks and warnings

• Heart Rhythm: Use with caution in patients with a known heart rhythm problem or a family history of sudden cardiac death, since the combination can affect heart electrical activity
• Pregnancy: Avoid in the first trimester unless no other treatment option is suitable, use only under direct medical supervision
• Liver Disease: Use cautiously in patients with significant liver impairment since both drugs are processed by the liver
• Other Antimalarials: Do not combine with other artemisinin based antimalarials unless specifically directed by a doctor
• Empty Stomach: Taking the tablet without food significantly reduces its effectiveness and should be avoided

Artem Plus Tablet Side Effects

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Weakness and tiredness
• Sleep disturbance
• Joint and muscle pain
• Irregular heartbeat in rare cases
• Allergic skin reaction in rare cases

Storage Conditions

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