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Coartem Tablet Side Effects in Pakistan

A complete guide to the side effects of Coartem Tablet (Artemether + Lumefantrine). From common effects to serious warnings — everything you need to know about this antimalarial medicine is on this page.

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

Side Effects

Quick Answer

Common side effects of Coartem Tablet include headache, dizziness, and nausea. Serious effects such as QT prolongation (heart rhythm abnormality) require immediate medical attention. Most patients tolerate Coartem Tablet well at the correct dose. Contact your doctor if any side effect persists or worsens.

Side Effects at a Glance

Common

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea and vomiting

Serious — See a Doctor

  • QT prolongation (heart rhythm abnormality)
  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Haemolytic anaemia in G6PD-deficient patients

When to See a Doctor Immediately

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

Coartem Tablet Side Effects (Nuksanat)

Coartem Tablet (Artemether 20mg + Lumefantrine 120mg) is generally safe when taken at the correct dose for the prescribed duration. However, like all medicines, it can cause side effects in some patients.

Common Side Effects (Aam Nuksanat)

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea and vomiting

These side effects are usually mild and often associated with the underlying malaria infection. If they continue or worsen, inform your doctor.

Serious Side Effects (Sanjeedah Nuksanat)

  • QT prolongation (heart rhythm abnormality) — see a doctor immediately
  • Severe allergic reaction — see a doctor immediately
  • Haemolytic anaemia in G6PD-deficient patients — see a doctor immediately

When to See a Doctor (Kab Doctor Se Milna Zaroori Hai)

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

Warnings and Precautions (Ihtiyat)

  • Do not use Coartem Tablet if you are allergic to artemether, lumefantrine, or any ingredient
  • Avoid use with other QT-prolonging medicines
  • G6PD-deficient patients should inform their doctor before starting treatment

Side Effects Summary Table

TypeSide EffectAction
CommonHeadacheMonitor / inform doctor
CommonDizzinessMonitor / inform doctor
CommonNausea and vomitingMonitor / inform doctor
SeriousQT prolongationSee a doctor immediately
SeriousSevere allergic reactionSee a doctor immediately

Reporting Side Effects

If you notice any unexpected side effect, report it on the DRAP pharmacovigilance portal: https://www.dra.gov.pk/pharmacovigilance

The information in this guide is for educational purposes only. If you notice any side effect, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common side effects of Coartem Tablet?

The most commonly reported side effects of Coartem Tablet include headache, dizziness, and nausea. These are usually mild and go away as malaria is treated. Inform your doctor if they persist or are severe.

Can Coartem Tablet cause allergic reactions?

Yes, Coartem Tablet can cause allergic reactions in some people. Signs include rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing. Stop use and seek medical help immediately.

Is Coartem Tablet safe to take for a long time?

Coartem Tablet is used for short courses only (3 days). It is not intended for long-term use or malaria prevention. Prolonged use is not recommended.

What should I do if I experience side effects from Coartem Tablet?

For mild side effects, inform your pharmacist. For serious effects such as heart palpitations or severe allergic reaction, stop the medicine and contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital.

Does Coartem Tablet affect the liver or kidneys?

Coartem Tablet may require dose adjustment or specialist advice in patients with severe liver or kidney impairment. Your doctor will advise based on your condition.

Sources

  1. DRAP Registered Products Database Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan
  2. WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, 23rd ed. (2023) World Health Organization
  3. British National Formulary (BNF) BMJ Group & Pharmaceutical Press

Medical disclaimer

This page is for educational use only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always confirm diagnosis, dose, and interactions with a qualified doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medicine.