Riamet

What is it?

An antimalarial preparation available as yellow tablets marked NC and CG, containing 20mg of artemether and 120mg of lumefantrine.

Medical Uses

Acute malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum in which there are no complications.

Dosage

Adults, 4 tablets with food to start, as soon as the condition is diagnosed, then 4 tablets after 8 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, 48 hours and 60 hours. If patient is sick within 1 hour of taking the tablets, the dose should be repeated.

Special Care

Pregnancy, serious heart, kidney or liver disease, congestive heart failure, slow heartbeat, previous heart arrhythmias, prolonged QT interval (part of ECG), electrolyte imbalance. ECG should be monitored.

Avoid Use

Children, breastfeeding, malaria in which there are complications, malaria caused by other organisms, heart disease, previous prolongation of QT interval, history of sudden death in family.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Drugs that prolong QT interval, class la and 111 antiarrhythmics, azole antifungals, cisipride, neurelepties, inhibitors of CYP3A4, antidepressants, fluoroquinolones, substrates of CYP2D6, nstemizole, other antimalarials, terfenadine, macrolides, grapefruit juice.

Known Side Effects

Gastrointestinal upset, muscle and joint pain, itching, rash, headache, palpitations, disturbed sleep, weakness, fatigue, cough, dizziness, anorexia. Any adverse side effects should be reported to the Committee on the Safety of Medicines (CSM).