Lumerax 80 Mg Tab

Lumerax 80 Tablet is an antimalarial medication manufactured by IPCA Laboratories Ltd., indicated for the treatment of acute, uncomplicated malaria. It is particularly effective in regions where Plasmodium falciparum parasites have developed resistance to other antimalarial treatments.

Name

• Brand Name: Lumerax 80 Tablet
• Common Names: Artemether and Lumefantrine Tablets

Composition

Each tablet contains:

• Artemether: 80 mg
• Lumefantrine: 480 mg

Uses

Lumerax 80 Tablet is prescribed for the treatment of acute, uncomplicated malaria caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite. It is also effective against other Plasmodium species and in cases where the parasite is resistant to other antimalarial medicines. This medication is not intended for preventing malaria or treating severe or complicated malaria, such as infections affecting the brain, lungs, or kidneys.

Dosage and Administration

The dosage and duration of Lumerax 80 Tablet should be strictly followed as advised by a doctor. For patients weighing 35 kg or more, one tablet (80 mg artemether/480 mg lumefantrine) is typically taken twice daily for 3 days, for a total of 6 doses. The first and second doses should be administered 8 hours apart, and subsequent doses should be given 12 hours apart, in the morning and evening. It is crucial to take the tablet with food or a fat-containing drink, such as milk, to enhance absorption and effectiveness. Tablets should be swallowed whole without crushing or chewing. If vomiting occurs within 1 hour of taking a dose, the dose should be repeated. It is essential to complete the full course of medication, even if symptoms improve, to ensure complete eradication of the infection and prevent recurrence.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue/Weakness/Tiredness
• Muscle and Joint pain
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Abdominal pain/Stomach pain and cramps
• Rash
• Sleep disturbances
• Decreased appetite or loss of desire to eat
• Palpitations/Increased heartbeat
• Cough

If side effects persist or worsen, medical consultation is recommended.

Precautions

• Allergies: Lumerax 80 Tablet is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to artemether, lumefantrine, or any other components of the tablet.
• Pregnancy: Not generally recommended during the first trimester unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Use with caution during the second and third trimesters, only if advised by a doctor.
• Breastfeeding: Not recommended for breastfeeding women.
• Liver and Kidney Impairment: Avoid use in patients with severe liver disease or severe kidney impairment. Caution and monitoring may be advised in such cases.
• Heart Conditions: Use with extreme caution in patients with a history of QT prolongation (an electrical disturbance in the heart), slow heartbeat, other severe heart diseases, or electrolyte imbalances like hypokalaemia or hypomagnesaemia.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all current medications, including hormonal contraceptives (as Lumerax may alter their effectiveness), other antimalarial drugs (e.g., Mefloquine, Quinine, Halofantrine), HIV medications (e.g., Ritonavir, Nevirapine, Efavirenz), Rifampin, Carbamazepine, and Phenytoin.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption as it may increase the risk of adverse effects.
• Driving and Machinery: This medicine may cause dizziness and fatigue; exercise caution when driving or operating machinery.

Storage

Store Lumerax 80 Tablet below 30°C. Keep it in its original container, tightly closed, and out of sight and reach of children.

What is LUMERAX 80 MG TAB used for?

LUMERAX 80 MG TAB is primarily used to treat uncomplicated malaria caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite in both adults and children weighing 5 kg or more. It is not intended for preventing malaria or for treating severe or complicated cases of the disease.

How does LUMERAX 80 MG TAB work?

LUMERAX 80 MG TAB contains two active ingredients: Artemether and Lumefantrine, which work together to combat malaria. Artemether acts quickly by interfering with the malaria parasite's ability to detoxify heme, leading to the generation of free radicals that damage the parasite's membranes and rapidly clear the infection. Lumefantrine works more slowly by disrupting the formation of β-hematin, interfering with the parasite's nucleic acid and protein synthesis, and inhibiting its food vacuole function, thereby helping to eliminate residual parasites and prevent the infection from returning.

What is the usual dosage for LUMERAX 80 MG TAB?

For patients weighing 35 kg or more, the recommended dosage is one tablet (80mg artemether/480mg lumefantrine) taken twice daily for 3 days, totaling 6 doses. The first two doses should be taken 8 hours apart, and subsequent doses should be taken 12 hours apart (morning and evening). It is crucial to take the tablet with food or a fatty drink like milk to ensure optimal absorption.

What are the possible side effects of LUMERAX 80 MG TAB?

Common side effects may include headache, loss of appetite, dizziness, weakness, joint pain, muscle pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, cough, and sleep disturbances. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, it is important to consult your doctor.

Is LUMERAX 80 MG TAB safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

During pregnancy, LUMERAX 80 MG TAB is generally not recommended, especially in the first trimester, as animal studies have shown potential harmful effects on the developing baby. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) does recommend its use for uncomplicated falciparum malaria during the first trimester. Your doctor will assess the benefits and potential risks before prescribing it. For breastfeeding mothers, limited human data suggest that LUMERAX 80 MG TAB is probably safe to use as it does not appear to pose a significant risk to the baby, but consultation with a doctor is still advised.

Can LUMERAX 80 MG TAB be taken with other medications?

LUMERAX 80 MG TAB can interact with several medications. It should not be taken with certain drugs, including some antidepressants (e.g., imipramine, amitriptyline, clomipramine), antiarrhythmics (e.g., flecainide, metoprolol), antihistamines (e.g., terfenadine, astemizole), or other antimalarial drugs like Halofantrine (if taken within the last month). It may also reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, so alternative birth control methods are recommended during treatment and for at least one month afterward. Always inform your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription medications you are currently taking.

What precautions should be taken while taking LUMERAX 80 MG TAB?

Always take LUMERAX 80 MG TAB with food or a milky drink for better absorption. It is crucial to complete the entire prescribed course of treatment, even if you start feeling better, to ensure the infection is fully cleared and to prevent drug resistance. This medication should not be used for severe malaria or as a preventive measure. Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems, severe heart conditions (especially those that affect heart rhythm like QT prolongation), or electrolyte imbalances. Due to potential dizziness and fatigue, avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience these symptoms. It's also advisable to avoid alcohol as it may worsen dizziness.

What happens if a dose of LUMERAX 80 MG TAB is missed?

If you miss a dose of LUMERAX 80 MG TAB, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you vomit within 1 to 2 hours of taking a dose, you should take another full dose. If you vomit again, consult your doctor.

How should LUMERAX 80 MG TAB be stored?

LUMERAX 80 MG TAB should be stored at room temperature in a dry place. Keep it in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of sight and reach of children.