Actimax 20 120 Dispersible: An Artemether + Lumefantrine Antimalarial

What it is

Actimax 20 120 Dispersible is a brand of artemether + lumefantrine, a fixed-dose combination antimalarial medicine. It belongs to the class of drugs that treat uncomplicated malaria by killing the malaria parasite in the bloodstream.

What it's used for

Actimax 20 120 Dispersible is indicated for the treatment of acute, uncomplicated malaria infections caused by Plasmodium falciparum. It is meant for patients aged 2 months and older with a body weight of at least 5 kg. This medicine has shown effectiveness in areas where resistance to older antimalarials like chloroquine has been reported. It is not approved for severe or complicated malaria and should not be used to prevent malaria.

How it's taken

Actimax 20 120 Dispersible tablets should be taken with food. For patients who have difficulty swallowing, the tablets can be crushed and mixed with 1 to 2 teaspoons of water just before taking. The full treatment is given over 3 days, for a total of 6 doses: an initial dose, a second dose 8 hours later, and then twice-daily (morning and evening) for the following 2 days. Typically, for adults weighing 35 kg or more, the dose is 4 tablets per administration. The exact dose and schedule will be determined by your doctor or pharmacist based on body weight and age.

Common side effects

The most common side effects reported in adults (occurring in more than 30% of users) include headache, loss of appetite, dizziness, weakness, and joint pain. This list may not be complete; your healthcare provider can give you more information about side effects associated with this medicine.

Important cautions

Do not use Actimax 20 120 Dispersible if you are allergic to artemether, lumefantrine, or any of the tablet ingredients. Tell your doctor if you have heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation), low potassium or magnesium levels, or if you are taking other medicines that can affect heart rhythm. Strong CYP3A4 inducers such as rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, and St. John's wort can reduce the effectiveness of this antimalarial and should be avoided. Halofantrine should not be taken within one month of using this medicine due to increased risk of heart rhythm effects. Do not combine this medicine with other antimalarials unless your doctor specifically directs it.

Frequently asked questions