Lumefantrine
Lumefantrine is an antimalarial drug used almost exclusively in combination with artemether (an artemisinin derivative) to treat uncomplicated falciparum malaria. Lumefantrine has a much longer half-life than artemether and is thought to clear residual parasites, preventing recrudescence of the infection. It works by inhibiting the formation of beta-hematin, leading to toxic heme accumulation within the malaria parasite.
Dosage by Body Weight
Must be administered as a 6-dose regimen over a 3-day period. To ensure proper absorption, each dose should be taken with fat-containing food or milk. If the patient vomits within 1 to 2 hours of administration, a repeat dose should be taken.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not established
- Frequency
- Safety and efficacy not determined
- Tracking Notes
- Use only if prescribed and closely monitored by a healthcare professional.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 1 tablet (containing 120 mg lumefantrine / 20 mg artemether)
- Frequency
- 6-dose regimen over 3 days (administered at 0, 8, 24, 36, 48, and 60 hours)
- Tracking Notes
- Tablets can be crushed and mixed with a small amount of water or milk for pediatric patients.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 1 tablet (containing 120 mg lumefantrine / 20 mg artemether)
- Frequency
- 6-dose regimen over 3 days (administered at 0, 8, 24, 36, 48, and 60 hours)
- Tracking Notes
- Always administer with milk, breast milk, or fat-containing food to enhance absorption.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 1 to 2 tablets (120 mg to 240 mg lumefantrine)
- Frequency
- 6-dose regimen over 3 days (administered at 0, 8, 24, 36, 48, and 60 hours)
- Tracking Notes
- Give 1 tablet per dose if weight is strictly under 15 kg; increase to 2 tablets per dose if weight reaches 15 kg.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 2 tablets (containing 240 mg lumefantrine / 40 mg artemether)
- Frequency
- 6-dose regimen over 3 days (administered at 0, 8, 24, 36, 48, and 60 hours)
- Tracking Notes
- Ensure the full 6-dose course is completed even if the patient feels better.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not established | Safety and efficacy not determined | Use only if prescribed and closely monitored by a healthcare professional. |
| 5-7 kg | 1 tablet (containing 120 mg lumefantrine / 20 mg artemether) | 6-dose regimen over 3 days (administered at 0, 8, 24, 36, 48, and 60 hours) | Tablets can be crushed and mixed with a small amount of water or milk for pediatric patients. |
| 8-10 kg | 1 tablet (containing 120 mg lumefantrine / 20 mg artemether) | 6-dose regimen over 3 days (administered at 0, 8, 24, 36, 48, and 60 hours) | Always administer with milk, breast milk, or fat-containing food to enhance absorption. |
| 11-15 kg | 1 to 2 tablets (120 mg to 240 mg lumefantrine) | 6-dose regimen over 3 days (administered at 0, 8, 24, 36, 48, and 60 hours) | Give 1 tablet per dose if weight is strictly under 15 kg; increase to 2 tablets per dose if weight reaches 15 kg. |
| 16-20 kg | 2 tablets (containing 240 mg lumefantrine / 40 mg artemether) | 6-dose regimen over 3 days (administered at 0, 8, 24, 36, 48, and 60 hours) | Ensure the full 6-dose course is completed even if the patient feels better. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used in combination with artemether (Artemether/Lumefantrine) for the treatment of acute, uncomplicated malaria infections caused by Plasmodium falciparum, including multi-drug resistant strains.
Generic Name
Lumefantrine (commonly co-formulated with Artemether)Branded Drug Names
Lumefantrine 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.