Artenise: A Brand of Artemether + Lumefantrine for Malaria Treatment

What it is

Artenise is a brand of artemether + lumefantrine, a combination antimalarial medicine that works against the Plasmodium falciparum parasite. It is available as 80 mg artemether and 480 mg lumefantrine tablets and is registered with NAFDAC under number B4-6460.

What it's used for

Artenise is used to treat acute, uncomplicated malaria infections caused by Plasmodium falciparum in patients who are at least 2 months old and weigh 5 kg or more. It is not approved for severe or complicated malaria, nor for preventing malaria.

How it's taken

Artenise tablets should be taken with food to help the body absorb the medicine. The usual course lasts 3 days and includes 6 doses: an initial dose, a second dose 8 hours later, then two doses each day (morning and evening) for the next 2 days. The number of tablets per dose depends on the patient's weight. Tablets can be crushed and mixed with water for children. Always follow your doctor's instructions exactly.

Common side effects

The most common side effects in adults include headache, loss of appetite (anorexia), dizziness, weakness (asthenia), and joint pain (arthralgia). These are reported in more than 30% of patients. Tell your doctor if any side effect bothers you or does not go away.

Important cautions

Do not use Artenise if you are allergic to artemether or lumefantrine. Avoid taking it with strong CYP3A4 inducers such as rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, or St. John's wort, as they can reduce its effectiveness. Artenise may affect heart rhythm; inform your doctor if you have a condition called QT prolongation, low potassium or magnesium, or if you take other medicines that affect heart rhythm. Do not take halofantrine within one month before or after Artenise. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before use.

Frequently asked questions