You're not logged in. Please log in to earn stock or Bitcoin rewards on your prescription purchase.
Coartem
Coartem (artemether/lumefantrine) is an antimalarial medication used to treat acute uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. It is a combination of two drugs, artemether (a fast-acting antimalarial) and lumefantrine (a long-acting antimalarial), which work together to eliminate malaria parasites from the blood. Coartem is highly effective and is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the treatment of malaria.
Rx. Enter your prescription
How would you like to get your prescription? Select an option
Pharmacy pickup
Select from 35,000 pharmacies
Free two-day delivery
Coming soon!
Find a pharmacy near you. Enter your ZIP code
Are you a member? Sign up or log in.
Members have saved
$NaN
using our savings card for instant savings.
Don't pay full retail price and miss out on potential savings. Try it now—you have nothing to lose!
NaNM
worth of Satoshi has been rewarded to our members.
Everyone who signs up enjoys the benefits of earning FREE Bitcoin with every purchase.
How much Bitcoin can you earn with Coartem ?
The potential for Bitcoin rewards to increase and appreciate in value is a possibility to consider, which may occur over time.
See the value of your savings today
Today's Value
1 Bitcoin = $NaN
Bitcoin (BTC)
...
USD
$NaN
Adjust Bitcoin's potential value to see how much it could be worth
Potential Value
1 Bitcoin =
Bitcoin (BTC)
...
USD
$NaN
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Coartem to cure malaria?
Coartem typically clears malaria from the blood within 3 days, but completing the full course of treatment is essential to ensure complete eradication of the parasite.
Can I take Coartem for malaria prevention?
No, Coartem is not used for malaria prevention; it is used solely for treatment once malaria is diagnosed.
Can Coartem cause heart problems?
Yes, Coartem can cause QT prolongation, which may lead to abnormal heart rhythms. Patients with heart conditions should use it with caution.
Should Coartem be taken with food?
Yes, taking Coartem with food, especially something fatty, increases the absorption of lumefantrine and improves treatment efficacy.
Can I take Coartem while pregnant?
Coartem should only be used during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. It is especially important to avoid its use in the first trimester unless no other suitable options are available.
Comprehensive Drug Guide
How Does Coartem Work?
- Artemether works quickly by producing free radicals that damage the malaria parasite’s cell membranes, leading to parasite death.
- Lumefantrine works more slowly, preventing the parasite from metabolizing hemoglobin, leading to its eventual death. Together, they clear the bloodstream of malaria parasites.
Common Dosages
- Tablets containing 20 mg of artemether and 120 mg of lumefantrine.
Typical Dosing
- The typical dosing is 4 tablets initially, followed by 4 tablets at 8 hours, then 4 tablets twice daily for the next two days, for a total of 24 tablets.
Typical Dosing
FDA Approved Indications
- Treatment of acute uncomplicated malaria due to Plasmodium falciparum.
Who Shouldn't Take Coartem?
- Severe malaria requiring intravenous treatment.
- Known hypersensitivity to artemether, lumefantrine, or any components of the formulation.
Advice From The Pharmacist
- Take Coartem with food or milk, as this increases absorption of lumefantrine.
- Finish the entire course of treatment, even if symptoms improve after a few doses, to prevent the recurrence of malaria.
- Avoid consuming grapefruit juice while on Coartem, as it can interfere with the medication's metabolism.
Side Effects of Coartem
Common Side Effects
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Fatigue
Uncommon/Severe Side Effects
- QT prolongation (heart rhythm issues)
- Allergic reactions (e.g., rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
Risks and Warnings of Coartem
- QT prolongation: Coartem can cause changes in heart rhythm (QT prolongation), so it should be used with caution in patients with heart conditions or those taking other QT-prolonging medications.
- Drug resistance: Incomplete treatment courses or inappropriate use of Coartem can contribute to antimalarial resistance.
Interactions with Coartem
Common Drug Interactions
- QT-prolonging drugs: Combining Coartem with other medications that prolong the QT interval (e.g., quinidine, haloperidol) can increase the risk of serious heart rhythm problems.
- Antiretroviral drugs: Certain HIV medications can alter the effectivenessof the drug can lead to dangerous heart rhythm problems.
Alternatives to Coartem
- Malarone (atovaquone/proguanil): Another antimalarial used to treat and prevent malaria.
- Quinine: An older antimalarial used for the treatment of malaria, typically in more severe cases.
- Doxycycline: An antibiotic used in combination with other drugs to treat malaria, particularly for travelers in high-risk areas.
