Artemether
Artemether is an artemisinin derivative with rapid schizontocidal activity against malaria parasites. It is lipid-soluble and particularly useful for treating chloroquine-resistant malaria. To prevent resistance, it is highly recommended to be used as part of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT), most commonly paired with Lumefantrine.
Dosage by Body Weight
Must be prescribed by a physician. Injections are given intramuscularly. Oral doses are typically administered with fat-containing food or milk to increase absorption. For children, dosing is strictly weight-dependent.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Safety and efficacy not fully established
- Frequency
- As directed by a specialist
- Tracking Notes
- Only used if no other alternative is available. Close clinical monitoring is required.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Loading dose: 16-22 mg IM, followed by 8-11 mg daily
- Frequency
- Once daily for 5 days
- Tracking Notes
- For intramuscular monotherapy. If using oral combination (Artemether-Lumefantrine 20/120mg), 1 tablet per dose is typically used.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Loading dose: 25-32 mg IM, followed by 12-16 mg daily
- Frequency
- Once daily for 5 days
- Tracking Notes
- Ensure full course is completed even if the patient feels better. If using combination therapy, follow packaging guidelines.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Loading dose: 35-48 mg IM, followed by 17-24 mg daily
- Frequency
- Once daily for 5 days
- Tracking Notes
- For oral combination (Artemether-Lumefantrine), children 5-14 kg generally take 1 tablet per dose twice daily for a 3-day course.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- Loading dose: 50-64 mg IM, followed by 25-32 mg daily
- Frequency
- Once daily for 5 days
- Tracking Notes
- For oral combination (Artemether-Lumefantrine), children 15-24 kg generally take 2 tablets per dose twice daily for a 3-day course.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Safety and efficacy not fully established | As directed by a specialist | Only used if no other alternative is available. Close clinical monitoring is required. |
| 5-7 kg | Loading dose: 16-22 mg IM, followed by 8-11 mg daily | Once daily for 5 days | For intramuscular monotherapy. If using oral combination (Artemether-Lumefantrine 20/120mg), 1 tablet per dose is typically used. |
| 8-10 kg | Loading dose: 25-32 mg IM, followed by 12-16 mg daily | Once daily for 5 days | Ensure full course is completed even if the patient feels better. If using combination therapy, follow packaging guidelines. |
| 11-15 kg | Loading dose: 35-48 mg IM, followed by 17-24 mg daily | Once daily for 5 days | For oral combination (Artemether-Lumefantrine), children 5-14 kg generally take 1 tablet per dose twice daily for a 3-day course. |
| 16-20 kg | Loading dose: 50-64 mg IM, followed by 25-32 mg daily | Once daily for 5 days | For oral combination (Artemether-Lumefantrine), children 15-24 kg generally take 2 tablets per dose twice daily for a 3-day course. |
Formulation
Purpose
Treatment of acute, uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, and severe malaria when intravenous therapy is not feasible.
Generic Name
ArtemetherBranded Drug Names
Artemether is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.