Artemether And Lumefantrine

Generic Name: artemether and lumefantrine

Antimalarial [EPC]Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Coartem

11 DESCRIPTION Coartem Tablets contain a fixed combination of 2 antimalarial active ingredients, artemether, an artemisinin derivative, and lumefantrine. Both components are blood schizontocides. The chemical name of artemether is (3 R ,5a S ,6 R ,8a S ,9 R ,10 S ,12 R ,12a R )-10-methoxy-3,6,9-trimethyldecahydro-3,12-epoxypyrano[4,3- j ]-1,2-benzodioxepine.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION Coartem Tablets contain a fixed combination of 2 antimalarial active ingredients, artemether, an artemisinin derivative, and lumefantrine. Both components are blood schizontocides. The chemical name of artemether is (3 R ,5a S ,6 R ,8a S ,9 R ,10 S ,12 R ,12a R )-10-methoxy-3,6,9-trimethyldecahydro-3,12-epoxypyrano[4,3- j ]-1,2-benzodioxepine.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Coartem Tablets are indicated for treatment of acute, uncomplicated malaria infections due to Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) in patients 2 months of age and older with a bodyweight of 5 kg and above. Coartem Tablets have been shown to be effective in geographical regions where resistance to chloroquine has been reported [see Clinical Studies (14.1)] . Limitations of Use : Coartem Tablets are not approved for patients with severe or complicated P. falciparum malaria. Coartem Tablets are not approved for the prevention of malaria. Coartem Tablets are a combination of artemether and lumefantrine, both antimalarials, indicated for treatment of acute, uncomplicated malaria infections due to Plasmodium falciparum (P.

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Coartem Tablets should be taken with food. ( 2.1 , 5.2 ) Tablets may be crushed and mixed with 1 to 2 teaspoons of water immediately prior to administration to patients, including children. ( 2.1 ) Coartem Tablets should be administered over 3 days for a total of 6 doses: an initial dose, second dose after 8 hours, and then twice-daily (morning and evening) for the following 2 days. ( 2.2 , 2.3 ) The adult dosage for patients with bodyweight of 35 kg and above is 4 tablets per dose for a total of 6 doses. ( 2.2 ) The number of tablets per dose for children is determined by bodyweight, as shown in the chart below.

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious and otherwise important adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of labeling: Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Contraindications (4)] Prolongation of the QT Interval [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Use of QT Prolonging Drugs and Other Antimalarials [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Drug Interactions with CYP3A4 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Drug Interactions with CYP2D6 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] The most common adverse reactions in adults (greater than 30%) are headache, anorexia, dizziness, asthenia, arthralgia, and myalgia. The most common adverse reactions in children (greater than 12%) are pyrexia, cough, vomiting, anorexia, and headache.

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS CYP3A4 Inducers: Potential for loss of antimalarial efficacy. ( 4 , 5.3 , 7.1 , 12.3 ) CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Use cautiously due to potential for QT prolongation. ( 5.3 , 7.2 , 12.3 ) Antiretrovirals: Use cautiously due to potential for QT prolongation, loss of antiviral efficacy, or loss of antimalarial efficacy of Coartem Tablets. ( 5.3 , 7.3 , 12.3 ) Mefloquine: If used immediately before treatment, monitor for decreased efficacy of Coartem Tablets and encourage food consumption. ( 2.1 , 7.4 , 12.3 ) Hormonal Contraceptives: Effectiveness may be reduced; use an additional method of birth control. ( 5.3 , 7.5 , 12.3 ) CYP2D6 Substrates: Monitor for adverse reactions and potential QT prolongation.

Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Avoid use in patients with known QT prolongation, those with hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia, and those taking other drugs that prolong the QT interval. ( 5.1 , 12.6 ) Halofantrine and Coartem Tablets should not be administered within one month of each other due to potential additive effects on the QT interval. ( 5.1 , 5.2 , 12.3 ) Antimalarials should not be given concomitantly, unless there is no other treatment option, due to limited safety data. ( 5.2 ) QT prolonging drugs, including quinine and quinidine, should be used cautiously following Coartem Tablets. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Hypersensitivity Known hypersensitivity to artemether, lumefantrine, or to any of the excipients of Coartem Tablets [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)] . Strong CYP3A4 Inducers Coadministration of strong inducers of CYP3A4 such as rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, and St.

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Published data from clinical studies and pharmacovigilance data have not established an association with artemether/lumefantrine use during pregnancy and major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes (see Data) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S.

Storage

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Coartem (artemether/lumefantrine) Tablets 20 mg/120 mg Tablets - yellow, round flat tablets with beveled edges and scored on one side. Tablets are imprinted with “N/C” on one side and “CG” on the other. Bottle of 24 NDC 0078-0568-45 Store at 20ºC to 25ºC (68ºF to 77ºF); excursions permitted to 15ºC to 30ºC (59ºF to 86ºF) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature] .

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Artemether And Lumefantrine used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Coartem Tablets are indicated for treatment of acute, uncomplicated malaria infections due to Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) in patients 2 months of age and older with a bodyweight of 5 kg and above. Coartem Tablets have been shown to be effective in geographical regions where resistance to chloroquine has been reported [see Clinical Studies (14.1)] . Limitations of Use : Coartem Tablets are not approved for patients with severe or complicated P. falciparum malaria. Coartem Tablets are not approved for the prevention of malaria. Coartem Tablets are a combination of artemether and lumefantrine, both antimalarials, indicated for treatment of acute, uncomplicated malaria infections due to Plasmodium falciparum (P.

What are the side effects of Artemether And Lumefantrine?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious and otherwise important adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of labeling: Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Contraindications (4)] Prolongation of the QT Interval [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Use of QT Prolonging Drugs and Other Antimalarials [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Drug Interactions with CYP3A4 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Drug Interactions with CYP2D6 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] The most common adverse reactions in adults (greater than 30%) are headache, anorexia, dizziness, asthenia, arthralgia, and myalgia. The most common adverse reactions in children (greater than 12%) are pyrexia, cough, vomiting, anorexia, and headache.

Can I take Artemether And Lumefantrine during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Published data from clinical studies and pharmacovigilance data have not established an association with artemether/lumefantrine use during pregnancy and major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes (see Data) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S.

What are the important warnings for Artemether And Lumefantrine?

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Avoid use in patients with known QT prolongation, those with hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia, and those taking other drugs that prolong the QT interval. ( 5.1 , 12.6 ) Halofantrine and Coartem Tablets should not be administered within one month of each other due to potential additive effects on the QT interval. ( 5.1 , 5.2 , 12.3 ) Antimalarials should not be given concomitantly, unless there is no other treatment option, due to limited safety data. ( 5.2 ) QT prolonging drugs, including quinine and quinidine, should be used cautiously following Coartem Tablets. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Hypersensitivity Known hypersensitivity to artemether, lumefantrine, or to any of the excipients of Coartem Tablets [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)] . Strong CYP3A4 Inducers Coadministration of strong inducers of CYP3A4 such as rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, and St.

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.