Artemether / Lumefantrine Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 21, 2023.

Applies to the following strengths: 20 mg-120 mg

Usual Adult Dose for Malaria

Less than 35 kg: Usual pediatric dose

At least 35 kg: 4 tablets orally as a single initial dose, followed by 4 tablets after 8 hours, and then 4 tablets twice a day (morning and evening) for the following 2 days

Total course: 24 tablets

Comments:

A 3-day treatment regimen, with a total of 6 doses

Use: For the treatment of acute uncomplicated malaria infections due to Plasmodium falciparum

Usual Pediatric Dose for Malaria

2 months or older:

Weight 5 to less than 15 kg: 1 tablet orally as a single initial dose, followed by 1 tablet after 8 hours, and then 1 tablet twice a day (morning and evening) for the following 2 days
Total course: 6 tablets
Weight 15 to less than 25 kg: 2 tablets orally as a single initial dose, followed by 2 tablets after 8 hours, and then 2 tablets twice a day (morning and evening) for the following 2 days
Total course: 12 tablets
Weight 25 to less than 35 kg: 3 tablets orally as a single initial dose, followed by 3 tablets after 8 hours, and then 3 tablets twice a day (morning and evening) for the following 2 days
Total course: 18 tablets
Weight At least 35 kg: 4 tablets orally as a single initial dose, followed by 4 tablets after 8 hours, and then 4 tablets twice a day (morning and evening) for the following 2 days
Total course: 24 tablets

Comments:

A 3-day treatment regimen, with a total of 6 doses

Use: For the treatment of acute uncomplicated malaria infections due to P falciparum

Renal Dose Adjustments

Renal dysfunction: No adjustment recommended.

Severe renal dysfunction: Caution recommended.

Liver Dose Adjustments

Mild to moderate liver dysfunction: No adjustment recommended.
Severe liver dysfunction: Caution recommended.

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

Known hypersensitivity to either active component or to any of the ingredients
Coadministration with strong CYP450 3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, St. John's wort)

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 2 months or who weigh less than 5 kg.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

Administer with food; although patients with acute malaria are often averse to food, encourage patients to resume normal eating as soon as food can be tolerated as this improves absorption of each component.
For patients unable to swallow the tablets (e.g., infants, children), crush tablet(s) and mix with a small amount of water (1 to 2 teaspoons) in a clean container for administration immediately prior to use; rinse the container with more water and swallow the contents; whenever possible, follow this crushed tablet preparation with food/drink (e.g., milk, formula, pudding, broth, porridge).
If vomiting occurs within 1 to 2 hours after dosing, administer a repeat dose; if the repeat dose is vomited, use an alternative antimalarial for treatment.

Storage requirements:

Store at 20C to 25C (68F to 77F); excursions permitted to 15C to 30C (59F to 86F).

General:

Limitations of Use: This drug is not approved for patients with severe or complicated P falciparum malaria; this drug is not approved for prevention of malaria.
This drug has shown efficacy in geographical regions where chloroquine resistance has occurred.

Monitoring:

Cardiovascular: ECG in patients using medically-required drugs that prolong QT interval

Patient advice:

Read the US FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information).
Take with food.
Notify physician if any symptoms of QT interval prolongation (including prolonged heart palpitations, loss of consciousness) occur.
If using hormonal contraceptive, use an alternative nonhormonal contraceptive method or add a barrier method of contraception during therapy.
Stop this drug at first sign of skin rash, hives/other skin reactions, rapid heartbeat, difficult swallowing/breathing, any swelling suggesting angioedema (e.g., swelling of lips/tongue/face, tightness of throat, hoarseness), or other symptoms of allergic reaction.