Artemether information from DrugsUpdate
P - Cautioned in pregnancy
L - Cautioned in lactation
Artemether (INN) is an antimalarial for the treatment of multi-drug resistant strains of falciparum malaria. It is combined with Lumefantrine and sold by Novartis under the brand names Riamet and Co-Artem.
It is an ether derivative of artemisinin.
Pharmacodynamics
Pharmacokinetics
Special Populations
Renal Function Impairment
No specific pharmacokinetic studies have been performed.
Hepatic Function Impairment
No specific pharmacokinetic studies have been performed.
Elderly
No specific pharmacokinetic studies have been performed in patients older than 65 years of age.
Children
Systemic exposure is comparable with adult patients.
Gender
No clinically relevant effects.
Artemether Indications / Artemether Uses
In acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria
Artemether Adverse Reactions / Artemether Side Effects
Mild GI disturbance, dizziness, tinnitus, reduction in reticulocyte and leucocyte counts, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bradycardia, 1st-degree heart block, transient increase in serum transaminases.
Precautions
Information Not Available
Special Precautions
Pregnancy and lactation. Avoid concomitant use of drugs known to prolong QT interval or monitor such patients.
Other Drug Interactions
Artemether causes QT prolongation in some patients. Thus concomitant use of erythromycin, terfenadine, procainamide, quinidine, disopyramide, amiodarone, bretylium, bepridil, sotalol, astemizole, probucol, tricyclic antidepressants, phenothiazines may be avoided.
Other Interactions
Information Not Available
Dosage
Oral
Acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria
Adult: 80 mg daily, to be taken with lumefantrine 480 mg daily. Doses to be taken at diagnosis and repeated after 8, 24, 36, 48 and 60 hr. Total doses: 6.
Child: Daily doses based on body wt: 5-14 kg: 20 mg with lumefantrine 120 mg; 15-24 kg: 40 mg with lumefantrine 240 mg; 25-34 kg: 60 mg with lumefantrine 360 mg and >34 kg: 80 mg with lumefantrine 480 mg. Doses to be taken at diagnosis and repeated after 8, 24, 36, 48 and 60 hr. Total doses: 6.
Food(before/after)
Should be taken with food
List of Contraindications
Artemether and Pregnancy
Caution when used during pregnancy
Artemether and Lactation
Caution when used during lactation
Artemether and Children
Information Not Available
Artemether and Geriatic
Information Not Available
Artemether and Other Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Storage
Oral: Store below 30°C
Lab interference
Oral: Store below 30°C
FOLLOW US:
