Lumefantrine

Lumefantrine also called benflumetol is an antimalarial drug used to treat acute uncomplicated malaria. It is only used in combination with artemether. It has a longer half-life than artemether and is thus can clear residual parasites remaining after the combination treatment. For improved efficacy, it is prescribed in combination with artemether. The combination acts against the erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium spp. Thus showing potential to treat infections caused by P. falciparum and unidentified Plasmodium species, when infections resulting from a chloroquine-resistant area. Lumefantrine is sold under the brand names Coartem, Ramet, Falcynate-L among others. Chinese Project 523, which was for research on the antimalaria drug, initiated in 1967, resulted in the synthesis of Lumefantrine, with pyronaridine and naphthoquinone. All three of these compounds are used in combination with antimalaria therapies.

Dosage and administration

The combination of lumefantrine and artemether is sold as a tablet for oral use. The general dose is, twice a day for 3 days or as prescribed by the doctor. These medicines should always with food and those who cannot eat should consult the doctor. The directions of use on the box are followed carefully and call the doctor in case of any confusion. The dose of this medicine has to be taken exactly as recommended and not overdose. For those with trouble swallowing, the tablets are crushed and mixed with 1 or 2 teaspoons of water and consumed right away. This medication can cause vomiting in some patients. In the event of the patient vomiting with in 1 or 2, they can be re-administered the dose, how if vomiting repeats are each dose, the doctor must be consulted. The effects of the medicine should start showing in a few days. In case, there is no improvement in symptoms or deterioration in the patient's condition, the doctor must be consulted. The patients should also expect fever, chills, muscle pain, or headache soon after the treatment, this could a sign that the infection has not been cured and thus the patient will need to see the doctor again.#

The price of Lumefantrine

In the USA, the consumer has to pay an average retail price of $159.00for a supply of 24 tablets of 20mg/120mg prescription. In India, a supply of 60 tablets will cost the consumer around USD 6 .

How does it work?

The exact working mechanism of Lumefantrine is unknown. However, it has been suggested that it works by inhibiting the formation of β-hematin. It does this by forming a complex with hemin and inhibits nucleic acid and protein synthesis. Lumefantrine is a blood schizonticide active against erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum with rapid onset of action and is rapidly cleared from the body. It thus provides rapid symptomatic relief by lowering the number of malarial parasites in addition to having a much longer half-life which enables it to clear out any residual parasites.