Coartem 20/120 is an antimalarial drug containing artemether and lumefantrine, substances that help to eliminate parasites of malaria from the body, being available in dispersible and coated tablets, recommended for the treatment of children and adults respectively, with an acute infection of Plasmodium falciparum without complications.
Coartem is also recommended for the treatment of malaria acquired in regions where parasites may be resistant to other antimalarial drugs. This remedy is not indicated for the prevention of the disease nor for the treatment of severe malaria.
This medicine can be purchased from conventional pharmacies with a prescription, especially for adults and children who need to travel to regions with high malaria cases. See the main symptoms of malaria.
How to use
Dispersible tablets are best for newborns and infants up to 35 kg, as they are easier to swallow. These tablets should be placed in a glass with a little water, letting them dissolve and then give the infant drink, then wash the glass with a small amount of water and give the child a drink, to avoid wasting medicine.
Tablets that are not coated can be ingested with liquid. Both tablets and coated tablets should be given to a high-fat meal, such as milk, as follows:
| Weight | Dose |
| 5 to 15 kg | 1 tablet |
| 15 to 25 kg | 2 tablets |
| 25 to 35 kg | 3 tablets |
| Adults and adolescents over 35 kg | 4 tablets |
The second dose of the medicine should be taken 8 hours after the first dose. The rest should be taken twice a day, every 12 hours, up to 6 doses since the first.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects that can occur with this medicine include loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, headache, dizziness, fast heartbeat, cough, stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, ores in joints and muscles, tiredness and weakness, involuntary muscle contractions, diarrhea, itching or rash on the skin.
Who should not use
Coartem should not be used in cases of severe malaria, in children under 5 kg, people with allergy to artemether or lumefantrine, pregnant in the first three months or women intending to become pregnant, people with a history of heart problems or with blood levels of potassium or magnesium.
