Alphacombo 20: A Brand of Artemether + Lumefantrine for Malaria Treatment

What it is

Alphacombo 20 is a brand of artemether + lumefantrine, a combination antimalarial medicine. It is a fixed-dose tablet containing 20 mg of artemether and 120 mg of lumefantrine. This combination is used to treat uncomplicated malaria caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite.

What it's used for

Alphacombo 20 is indicated for the treatment of acute, uncomplicated malaria infections due to Plasmodium falciparum in patients 2 months of age and older who weigh at least 5 kg. It has been shown to be effective in areas where resistance to chloroquine has been reported. It is not approved for severe or complicated malaria, and it should not be used to prevent malaria.

How it's taken

Alphacombo 20 should be taken with food. The tablets may be crushed and mixed with 1 to 2 teaspoons of water just before taking them, especially for children. The typical course lasts 3 days and includes a total of 6 doses: an initial dose, a second dose 8 hours later, and then twice-daily (morning and evening) for the next 2 days. The exact number of tablets per dose depends on body weight, so a doctor or pharmacist should determine the correct dose. Always follow the prescriber's instructions.

Common side effects

The most common side effects in adults (occurring in more than 30% of people) include headache, loss of appetite (anorexia), dizziness, weakness (asthenia), and joint pain (arthralgia). Other side effects may occur. If any side effect is severe or persistent, seek medical advice.

Important cautions

Alphacombo 20 should not be used in people with known hypersensitivity to artemether, lumefantrine, or any of the tablet's ingredients. It should not be taken with strong CYP3A4 inducers such as rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, or St. John's wort, as they can reduce its effectiveness. Avoid use in people with a known prolonged QT interval, low potassium (hypokalemia), or low magnesium (hypomagnesemia), and in those taking other drugs that prolong the QT interval. Halofantrine, another antimalarial, should not be taken within one month of using Alphacombo 20 due to the risk of additive QT prolongation. This medicine is not for severe malaria or for prevention. Always inform your doctor about all medicines you are taking.

Frequently asked questions