Artemether Tablet : Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions & Benefits

Malaria is one of the global health challenges in the world today, especially in the tropics and subtropics. One of best treatments for malaria is the widely used antimalarial medicine known as Artemether Tablet , which is part of the artemisinin derivative class of antimalarial. It is highly effective and fast acting which makes it particularly useful for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria, the deadliest form of malaria.

In this article, we will discuss Antonether Tablet, its uses, dosage, benefits, precautions, side effects, interactions, and other things you need to know.

What is Artemether Tablet ?

An antimalarial drug such as Artemether Tablet is of great importance in the treatment of malaria, especially when it is complicated with other medicines like lumefantrine, to provide effective treatment and prevent drug resistance. It is derived from artemisinin obtained from the sweet wormwood plant (Artemisia annua).

Artemether Tablet serves the need to provide rapid relief from the symptoms of malaria such as fever, chills, and body pains. It important to note that Artemether is differentiated from preventive medicines as it is only used to treat active cases of malaria. It is not used for preventive purposes.

Artemether Tablet primary Uses

• Artemether Tablet primary Uses includes the following:

• Treatment of uncomplicated malaria

• Give the drug primarily for its activity against Plasmodium falciparum.

• Commonly it is used in unilateral combination therapy (Artemether + Lumefantrine).

• Rapid reduction of parasite load

• It is used for its efficacy in reducing malaria parasites present in the circulating blood.

• Relief of malaria symptoms

• It helps in alleviating hyperpyrexia, profuse sweating, severe chill, and great debility.

• Emergency treatment in malaria prone areas

Artemether could be the drug of choice for patients who require immediate treatment to ward off the advance of the disease during a malaria epidemic.

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How Artemether Tablet Works (Mechanism of Action)

Artemether Tablet action is achieved through the following process:

• Malaria parasites in the blood digest hemoglobin in red blood cells and release iron.

• Artemether then meets and engages with this iron, giving rise to free radicals.

• These free radicals destroy essential proteins and the membranes of the parasite, and thus kill it.

• Thus, the patients feel reasonably well within 24–48 hours of initiation of treatment due to the rapid acting mechanism.

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Dosage and Administration

• Artemether Tablet is prescribed with consideration to the age, weight of the patient, and the intensity of the infection.

• Adults: Ex. the combination (20/120 mg per tablet) is composed of Artemether + Lumefantrine. Typically, 6 doses, taken over 3 days, constitute a standard course.

• Children: Dose is calculated according to body weight, and the dosage is age specific.

• Route of administration: Oral, taken with food to optimize absorption.

⚠️ Important: Avoid self medication. Only take the exact dosage prescribed to you by your physician to avoid developing any resistance and for it to be fully effective.

Side Effects of an Artemether Tablet

Similar to all medications, an Artemether Tablet may cause side effects, although not every person will experience them.

Below, some of the common side effects include

• Headaches

• Dizziness

• Nausea and vomiting

• Pain around the abdomen

• Extreme tiredness

• Loss of appetite

Serious, although uncommon, side effects may include

• Reactions of the body towards allergens such as rashes, itching, and swelling

• An irregular and abnormal heartbeat

• Convulsions

• An imbalance of the body’s liver functions

👉 In the event that you go through any of the severe side effects, contact the relevant medical service immediately.

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Precautions and Warnings

• While using an Artemether Tablet, the following precautionary measures should be taken:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• The safety of using the medication in the first trimester of pregnancy is not well established, so use it only if it is prescribed.

Pre-existing medical conditions

• If you have any problems with your liver, kidneys, or the heart, please notify your doctor.

• Interactions with other medications

• Artemether may be taken in conjunction with drugs such as rifampicin, carbamazepine, or other antimalarials.

• Consumption of alcohol

• Refrain from drinking alcohol because it may increase the risk of liver toxicity.

Do not take the medication incompletely. Completing the course is important to avoid relapse.

Artemether Tablet vs Other Antimalarials

• Drug Use Main Difference

• Artemether Tablet ngan sgub Fastest acting with immediate Resistant strains of malaria

• Chloroquine First line for uncomplicated Not effective due to resistance

• Quinine First line for severe forms Slow acting with more adverse outcomes

• Mefloquine Prophylaxis and Treatment Can cause neuropsychiatric disorders

Artemether Tablet in Combination Treatment

• Artemether is most frequently used in combinations with Lumefantrine because:

• Artemether is administered as loading therapy to achieve plasma levels that therapeutically effective for malaria in resistance regions and is rapidly eliminated.

• Lumefantrine has a longer half life and eliminate the chances of pulsed therapy recurrence.

• It enhances compliance and minimizes the chances of resistance development.

• This is how the product is clinically used: Coartem or subtracting the two active substances of the combination: Arthmeter-Lumefantrine Tablets.

Storage and Handling

• Store in a cool and dry place.

• Protect from sunlight and moisture.

• Always keep it locked and out of reach from children.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

1. Can Artemether Tablet be used for prevention of malaria ?

• No, it is for treatment, not prevention.

2. How long does Artemether take to work.

• Most patients feel better within 1 to 2 days of starting the medicine.

3. Is Artemether Tablet safe for children ?

• Yes, but under a doctor’s supervision and in correct dosage.

4. Can I stop taking Artemether if I feel better ?

• No, complete the full course to make sure malaria does not return.

5. What if I forget to take a dose ?

• If you remember dose then take it, However, you should not breach the rules of the prescribed timing of medication. Notwithstanding, Never take dosages in excess.

Conclusion

This medicine is pivotal to the fight against malaria. In particular, It is handy where the newer drugs and older treatments face resistance. Thanks to the ability to provide rapid treatment, the absence of serious adverse effects and the fight against Plasmodium falciparum malaria, and it offers multiple capabilities .

This medicine is under the influence of a professional clinician and should not be used unconventionally, the prescribed dosages should be obeyed, and Artemether should not be used interchangeably for medicine.

Artemether Tablets, properly used, can save and help tb in the fight against malaria on a global stage.