Coartem
Coartem is a prescription fixed-dose combination antimalarial therapy containing artemether and lumefantrine. Artemether works rapidly to reduce parasite biomass, while lumefantrine clears residual parasites over a longer period.
Dosage by Body Weight
Must be taken with food, milk, or infant formula to ensure adequate absorption. The standard treatment consists of a 3-day course with a total of 6 doses. If vomiting occurs within 1 hour of taking a dose, a repeat dose should be administered.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy in infants weighing less than 5 kg have not been established.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 1 tablet (20 mg artemether / 120 mg lumefantrine)
- Frequency
- Twice daily for 3 days (6 doses total)
- Tracking Notes
- Take 1st dose immediately, 2nd dose after 8 hours, and then twice daily (morning and evening) for the next 2 days.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 1 tablet (20 mg artemether / 120 mg lumefantrine)
- Frequency
- Twice daily for 3 days (6 doses total)
- Tracking Notes
- Take 1st dose immediately, 2nd dose after 8 hours, and then twice daily (morning and evening) for the next 2 days.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 1 tablet if under 15 kg; 2 tablets if 15 kg or more
- Frequency
- Twice daily for 3 days (6 doses total)
- Tracking Notes
- Standard dosing changes to 2 tablets per dose once the child reaches 15 kg. Take 1st dose immediately, 2nd dose after 8 hours, and twice daily thereafter.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 2 tablets (40 mg artemether / 240 mg lumefantrine)
- Frequency
- Twice daily for 3 days (6 doses total)
- Tracking Notes
- Take 1st dose immediately, 2nd dose after 8 hours, and then 2 tablets twice daily (morning and evening) for the next 2 days.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed | Safety and efficacy in infants weighing less than 5 kg have not been established. |
| 5-7 kg | 1 tablet (20 mg artemether / 120 mg lumefantrine) | Twice daily for 3 days (6 doses total) | Take 1st dose immediately, 2nd dose after 8 hours, and then twice daily (morning and evening) for the next 2 days. |
| 8-10 kg | 1 tablet (20 mg artemether / 120 mg lumefantrine) | Twice daily for 3 days (6 doses total) | Take 1st dose immediately, 2nd dose after 8 hours, and then twice daily (morning and evening) for the next 2 days. |
| 11-15 kg | 1 tablet if under 15 kg; 2 tablets if 15 kg or more | Twice daily for 3 days (6 doses total) | Standard dosing changes to 2 tablets per dose once the child reaches 15 kg. Take 1st dose immediately, 2nd dose after 8 hours, and twice daily thereafter. |
| 16-20 kg | 2 tablets (40 mg artemether / 240 mg lumefantrine) | Twice daily for 3 days (6 doses total) | Take 1st dose immediately, 2nd dose after 8 hours, and then 2 tablets twice daily (morning and evening) for the next 2 days. |
Formulation
TabletDispersible Tablet
Purpose
Treatment of acute, uncomplicated malaria infections caused by Plasmodium falciparum in adults and children weighing 5 kg and above.
Generic Name
Artemether and LumefantrineScheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.