Coartem Tablet: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects in Pakistan

Coartem Tablet Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Price in Pakistan

1. Quick Info (Mukhtasir Maloomat)

2. What is Coartem Tablet? (Coartem Tablet kya hai)

Coartem Tablet is an antimalarial medication used to treat malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, a severe and potentially life-threatening form of the disease. It contains two active ingredients: artemether and lumefantrine. Artemether works by rapidly reducing the number of malaria parasites in the blood, while lumefantrine helps eliminate any remaining parasites and prevents the malaria from recurring. This combination therapy is particularly effective against malaria strains that have developed resistance to other antimalarial drugs. Coartem Tablet is typically prescribed for individuals who have contracted malaria in areas where the disease is prevalent.

Within its class of antimalarial drugs, Coartem Tablet stands out for its dual-action mechanism, which helps overcome the challenges of malaria resistance. Its combination of artemether and lumefantrine makes it a preferred choice for treating severe malaria cases. Always take Coartem Tablet as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

3. Uses (Fayde / Kis kaam aati hai)

• Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria
• Chloroquine-resistant falciparum malaria
• Acute malaria episodes in endemic areas of Pakistan

4. Who Should Take (Kis ko leni chahiye)

• Adults and children diagnosed with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria
• Patients in malaria-endemic areas of Pakistan with confirmed or suspected chloroquine-resistant infection
• Travellers returning with laboratory-confirmed falciparum malaria

5. When NOT to Take (Kab nahi leni chahiye)

• If you are allergic to artemether, lumefantrine, or any ingredient
• During the first trimester of pregnancy — use only if no safer alternative is available in later trimesters
• Patients with known cardiac arrhythmias, bradycardia, or congestive heart failure
• Concomitant use with other QT-prolonging medicines

6. Dosage (Kitni leni hai)

• As prescribed by your doctor — first dose taken at time zero

• Weight-based, 6-dose schedule over 3 days — complete the full course even if feeling better

• Do not exceed the recommended dose — complete the full course as prescribed

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If the next dose is close, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose.

7. How to Take (Kaise leni hai)

• Take with food or a fatty drink (e.g., milk) — lumefantrine absorption is significantly improved with food
• Swallow tablets whole with water
• Complete the full prescribed course even if you feel better
• Do not skip doses

8. Best Time (Kab leni chahiye)

• With meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) — food significantly improves lumefantrine absorption
• Same times each day to complete the 6-dose course

9. Empty Stomach or After Food (Khali pait ya khane ke baad)

Always take Coartem Tablet with food or a fatty drink. Taking it on an empty stomach significantly reduces lumefantrine absorption and may reduce treatment effectiveness.

10. Warnings (Ihtiyat)

• Do not use Coartem Tablet if you are allergic to artemether or lumefantrine
• QT PROLONGATION RISK: Avoid use with other QT-prolonging medicines; patients with pre-existing heart rhythm disorders should consult a specialist before use
• Contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy
• G6PD-deficient patients may be at increased risk of haemolytic anaemia — inform your doctor if you have G6PD deficiency
• This medicine does NOT prevent malaria — it treats an active infection

11. Precautions (Ahm ehtiyaat)

• Store below 25°C
• Keep away from direct sunlight
• Keep out of the reach of children
• Ensure the patient eats when taking each dose
• Inform your doctor of all other medicines you are taking

12. Side Effects (Nuksanat)

• Headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting

• QT prolongation (heart rhythm abnormality), severe allergic reaction, haemolytic anaemia in G6PD-deficient patients

13. Drug Interactions (Dawaon ke sath reaction)

• Antiarrhythmics and antipsychotics — additive QT prolongation risk when used with Coartem
• CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole — may increase lumefantrine blood levels and side effects
• Hormonal contraceptives — potentially reduced contraceptive efficacy; use additional contraception during treatment

14. When to See Doctor (Kab doctor ke paas jayein)

• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations — sign of QT prolongation
• Fever not resolving after 48 to 72 hours of treatment — may indicate treatment failure or resistant infection
• Signs of severe allergic reaction: rash, swelling, difficulty breathing

15. Alternatives (Sasti Dusri Dawaein)

16. Price in Pakistan (Price kitni hai)

(Note: Price depends on the pharmacy and pack size.)

17. FAQs (Aksar poochay jane walay sawalat)

Q: Coartem Tablet kis kaam aati hai?

A: Coartem Tablet is used to treat uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. See the uses section on PakVita for what it treats and how to take it.

Q: Kitni mg ki Coartem Tablet hoti hai?

A: The exact strength varies by brand and form. Follow the pack label and your doctor's advice.

Q: Pakistan mein price kitni hai?

A: The price can vary by pharmacy and city. Verify the current rate at a local store or online listing.

Q: Pregnancy mein safe hai?

A: Do not self-medicate during pregnancy. Always use this medicine only after consulting your doctor.

Q: Nuksanat kya hain?

A: Common side effects are usually mild, but contact your doctor immediately if severe symptoms appear.

18. Medical Review (Medical jaiza)

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-07-09

19. Disclaimer (Zaroori tanbeeh)

The information on this page is for awareness only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. PakVita is not responsible for any harm.