Lonart-DS

Treatment of malaria caused by all forms of Plasmodium including severe malaria caused by multiple drug resistant strains of P. falciparum

Hypersensitivity to Artemether and lumefantrine.

Nevertheless, no correlation has been found between QTc interval prolongation and plasma concentrations of Lumefantrine caution is advised to patients who are taking drugs that are known to prolong the QT interval, such as certain antibiotics (macrolides, fluoroquinolones, imidazole) or who are predisposed to cardiac arrhythmias.

It is advisable not to use drugs during pregnancy but in view of the high risk of malaria during pregnancy for mother and foetus, the responsible physician may consider it essential, as in the case of cerebral malaria, to treat a pregnant woman. Artemisinin derivatives like Artemether are the fastest acting schizontocides and rapid clearance of parasites is essential. Since Lonart has been designed for its use in children, it is unlikely that this problem arises.

Lonart should not be taken during breastfeeding. Due to the long elimination half-life of Lumefantrine, it is recommended that breastfeeding should not start until at least one week after stopping an Artemether/Lumefantrine combination treatment.

Artemether potentiates the antimalarial activity of other antimalarials.

As grapefruit juice retards the metabolism of some antimalarials, it would be better not to drink grapefruit juice while taking Lonart.

With Artemether virtually no side effects have been seen. At high doses transient abdominal pain, tinnitus and diarrhea have been described but a casual relationship is unclear.

Some antimalarials such as Halofantrine and Quinine can influence the ECG pattern. Attention should be made to patient previously treated with those antimalarials. A reasonable period should be taken into account before starting treatment with Lumefantrine combinations. For such patients, mono therapy with Artemisinin derivatives is recommended.

Sometimes rash, trouble sleeping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing may occur. They need medical attention when persisting.

Tablet: Store below 25^oC.

Suspension: Powder should be stored below 25^oC. Once reconstituted, it is stable for a maximum of 14 days. Longer conservation is not recommended.

Suppository: Store below 25^oC.