Antimalarial (combination therapy)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Artemether/Lumefantrine is a combination antimalarial drug that contains two medicines working together to kill the malaria parasite in your blood. Artemether acts fast to reduce the parasites quickly, while lumefantrine stays longer in your body to clear out the remaining ones.
Inhibits Plasmodium falciparum parasites through dual mechanisms: artemether alkylates parasite proteins via reactive intermediates generated by heme iron, while lumefantrine intercalates parasite DNA and inhibits heme polymerization, together preventing parasite growth and causing rapid clearance of parasitemia.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
For adults, take 4 tablets of the 20/120 mg strength (or 1 tablet of the 80/480 mg strength) twice daily for 3 days — that's 6 doses total. Take your first dose, then the second dose 8 hours later, then take one dose in the morning and one in the evening for the next 2 days. Always take it with food or a milky drink, as fatty food helps the medicine absorb properly into your body.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and continue your schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for it. Try to complete all 6 doses within the 3 days — this is very important to properly clear the malaria.
Always complete the full 3-day course even if you feel better after the first day — stopping early can cause the malaria to come back stronger and harder to treat. Buy only from licensed pharmacies and look for trusted Nigerian brands like Amakin, Aluktem, Afemart, or Agwoiba — avoid buying loose or repackaged tablets from roadside sellers. If your symptoms don't improve after completing treatment or you develop new symptoms, go back to the hospital for a fresh malaria test.
Avoid taking it with drugs that affect your heartbeat like halofantrine (another antimalarial) or some antibiotics like erythromycin, as this combination can cause dangerous heart rhythm problems. Grapefruit juice can increase the drug level in your blood, so avoid it during treatment. Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine as it can worsen dizziness and side effects.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Artemether; with your other drugs?
This drug should be avoided in the first 3 months of pregnancy unless there is no safer alternative; for later stages of pregnancy and breastfeeding, consult your doctor before use.
Store at room temperature below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom or near a window where heat can build up. Keep out of reach of children. In hot Nigerian weather, avoid leaving it inside a parked car.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Dispensing Artemether; Lumefantrine?
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