Coartem 80/480 is a high-strength, fixed-dose combination antimalarial medication. It is used to treat acute, uncomplicated malaria infections caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite.
Active Ingredients
Each single tablet contains two active medications that work together synergistically:
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Artemether (80 mg): A fast-acting artemisinin derivative that rapidly reduces the number of malaria parasites in the blood.
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Lumefantrine (480 mg): A longer-acting antimalarial that clears any remaining parasites to ensure complete recovery and prevent recurrence.
Adult Dosage & Administration
This high-strength formulation reduces the "pill burden," replacing the standard regimen of taking four smaller tablets at once. It is meant for adults and adolescents weighing 35 kg and above.
The total treatment course consists of 6 tablets taken over 3 days:
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Day 1: Take 1 tablet immediately, followed by a 2nd tablet exactly 8 hours later.
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Day 2: Take 1 tablet in the morning and 1 tablet in the evening (approx. 12 hours apart).
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Day 3: Take 1 tablet in the morning and 1 tablet in the evening.
“On your first day of treatment, take your first dose with food, followed by your second dose 8 hours later. Then each day for the next 2 days, take one dose in the morning and one dose in the evening.”
Important Usage Tips
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Take with Food: Always take this medication with a fatty meal, milk, porridge, or broth. Fat significantly increases the absorption of lumefantrine.
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Vomiting: If you vomit within 30 to 60 minutes of taking a dose, you must take another replacement dose immediately.
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Do Not Use for Prevention: Coartem is strictly a cure for active infections; it cannot be used as a prophylactic to prevent malaria
Common Side Effects
Most people tolerate the medication well, but you may experience temporary side effects:
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Headaches or dizziness
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Nausea, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite
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Muscle or joint pain
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Unusual tiredness or fatigue
Disclaimer: Always consult a healthcare professional or pharmacist to confirm your diagnosis and ensure this medication is safe for you, especially if you have pre-existing heart or liver conditions.
