Arlunart 20: A Brand of Artemether and Lumefantrine for Malaria

What it is

Arlunart 20 is a brand of artemether and lumefantrine, a combination antimalarial medicine. Each tablet contains 20 mg of artemether and 120 mg of lumefantrine. It is classified as an artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) for the treatment of malaria.

What it's used for

Arlunart 20 is indicated for the treatment of acute, uncomplicated malaria infections caused by Plasmodium falciparum. It is approved for use in patients who are at least 2 months old and weigh 5 kg or more. This medicine has shown effectiveness even in areas where resistance to chloroquine has been reported. It is not approved for severe or complicated malaria, nor for preventing malaria.

How it's taken

Arlunart 20 should be taken with food to help the body absorb the medicine. The tablets can be crushed and mixed with 1 to 2 teaspoons of water just before giving them to a child or anyone who has difficulty swallowing. The typical course lasts 3 days and consists of 6 doses: an initial dose, a second dose 8 hours later, then twice daily (morning and evening) for the next 2 days. The exact number of tablets per dose depends on body weight — for adults weighing 35 kg or more, the typical dose is 4 tablets per administration. Always follow your doctor’s instructions or a pharmacist’s advice on dosing.

Common side effects

The most common side effects reported in adults (occurring in more than 30% of users) include headache, loss of appetite (anorexia), dizziness, weakness (asthenia), and joint pain (arthralgia). Other possible side effects are listed in the product label. If you experience any severe or persistent symptoms, consult a healthcare professional.

Important cautions

Do not take Arlunart 20 if you are allergic to artemether, lumefantrine, or any of the other ingredients in the tablet. Avoid using this medicine with strong CYP3A4 inducers such as rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, or St. John’s wort because they can reduce its effectiveness. Caution is needed in people with known QT prolongation (a heart rhythm condition), low potassium or magnesium levels, or those taking other medicines that affect the heart’s rhythm. Halofantrine, another antimalarial, should not be taken within one month of Arlunart 20 due to the risk of additive effects on the heart. Do not combine with other antimalarials unless your doctor directs you to do so.

Frequently asked questions