Lumefantrine is a medication used to treat malaria. It is taken in combination with artemether and is also known as Coartem. It works by preventing the malaria parasite from multiplying in the body, thus reducing the symptoms of the disease. It is taken orally and is available as both a tablet and a suspension. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and headache.
Lumefantrine is an antimalarial medication used in combination with artemether for the treatment of acute uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. It is not sold on its own and is always combined with artemether under the brand name Coartem.
Lumefantrine works by killing the malaria parasites during the erythrocytic stages of their life cycle within the red blood cells. The exact mechanism of how it works is not fully understood.
Artemether, the other medication in Coartem, has a faster-acting mechanism and reduces the number of parasites quickly. Lumefantrine has a slower action but remains in the body for a longer time, eliminating any residual parasites left behind by artemether. This combination approach helps to ensure effective treatment and prevent the malaria parasites from becoming resistant to the medication.
Lumefantrine is typically taken as a tablet twice a day for 3 days, with food. It is important to complete the full course of treatment, even if you start to feel better, to ensure that all the malaria parasites are eliminated.