Afrimal Dispersible: A Brand of Artemether + Lumefantrine for Malaria

What it is

Afrimal Dispersible is a brand of artemether + lumefantrine, a fixed-dose combination antimalarial medicine used to treat uncomplicated malaria. It is available as a dispersible tablet containing 20 mg of artemether and 120 mg of lumefantrine.

What it's used for

Afrimal Dispersible is indicated for the treatment of acute, uncomplicated malaria infections due to Plasmodium falciparum. It is approved for patients who are 2 months of age and older and weigh at least 5 kg. It is not approved for severe or complicated malaria, nor for preventing malaria.

How it's taken

Afrimal Dispersible should be taken with food. The tablets can be crushed and mixed with 1 to 2 teaspoons of water just before taking, especially for children. The typical course is six doses given over three days: an initial dose, a second dose 8 hours later, then twice daily (morning and evening) for the next two days. The exact number of tablets per dose depends on the patient's body weight and must be determined by a doctor or pharmacist.

Common side effects

The most common side effects in adults (occurring in more than 30% of patients) include headache, loss of appetite (anorexia), dizziness, weakness (asthenia), and joint pain (arthralgia). Other side effects are possible; speak with your healthcare provider if any symptom bothers you.

Important cautions

Do not use Afrimal Dispersible if you are allergic to artemether or lumefantrine. Avoid use if you have a known prolonged QT interval, low potassium (hypokalemia), or low magnesium (hypomagnesemia). Do not take it with halofantrine or within one month of taking halofantrine, because this can increase the risk of heart rhythm problems. Also avoid taking it with strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, St. John's wort) as they can reduce its effectiveness. Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.

Frequently asked questions