Artemether-lumefantrine: how to take it safely
Coartem, Lonart, Amatem
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Treats uncomplicated malaria.
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Swallow with water, with milk or a fatty meal.
- Take all 6 doses over 3 days, at the times on the pack.
- If you vomit within 1 hour, repeat the dose.
When to take it
Take the first dose, then the second after 8 hours, then twice a day for 2 more days.
Take it with
With milk or a fatty meal, which helps it absorb.
What to avoid
- Stopping early.
- Grapefruit juice.
- Tell your doctor if you have heart rhythm problems, or if you take other medicines that affect the heart.
- Early pregnancy, unless your doctor says so.
Possible side effects
Headache, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite, stomach pain.
Get help if
Fever that is not better after 3 days, repeated vomiting, confusion, fits, very dark urine or palpitations: get urgent help.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.