Description:

Duomal Forte 80/480 Tablets (by Luex) is a fixed-dose combination antimalarial medication used to treat acute, uncomplicated malaria, particularly caused by Plasmodium falciparum. It combines two active agents that work synergistically to kill malaria parasites at different stages of their life cycle.

Prescription: Prescription-only (Rx). As an antimalarial, it requires a doctor’s prescription and diagnosis confirmation (e.g., via malaria test) before use.

Therapeutic Category:

Antimalarial / Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT).

Active Ingredients/Composition: Each tablet contains:

• Artemether 80 mg
• Lumefantrine 480 mg

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant: High-strength adult formulation: 80 mg artemether / 480 mg lumefantrine per tablet (typically in packs for patients ≥35 kg; lower strengths like 20/120 mg exist in the Duomal range for children).

Consume Type:

Oral (swallow whole with food; tablets can be crushed and mixed with a small amount of water if swallowing is difficult).

Directions/Usage: Standard 3-day regimen (6 doses total) for adults and children ≥35 kg:

• Day 1: 4 tablets as a single initial dose, then 4 tablets again after 8 hours.
• Days 2 and 3: 4 tablets twice daily (morning and evening). Total: 24 tablets over 3 days. Always take with food (or fatty milk) to improve absorption. Follow exact doctor/pharmacist instructions based on weight and severity. Not for prophylaxis; complete the full course even if symptoms improve. For children, dosing is weight-based (lower strengths preferred for lighter weights).

Common Side Effects:

• Headache, dizziness
• Loss of appetite (anorexia), nausea, vomiting
• Fatigue/weakness (asthenia), muscle/joint pain (myalgia/arthralgia)
• Abdominal pain, fever, chills Most are mild and resolve after treatment. Serious but rare: heart rhythm changes (QT prolongation), severe allergic reactions, or neurological effects—seek immediate help for severe symptoms.

Package Type:

Blister pack of 6 tablets (6s), designed as a complete or partial course depending on patient weight (full adult course often requires multiple packs).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 30°C), in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Take with food to enhance absorption and reduce gastrointestinal upset.
• Not for severe/complicated malaria (requires injectable treatment).
• Avoid in patients with known hypersensitivity, severe heart conditions (risk of QT prolongation), or concurrent use of drugs that prolong QT interval.
• Consult doctor if pregnant/breastfeeding (generally used when benefits outweigh risks in malaria-endemic areas), liver/kidney issues, or on other medications.
• Monitor for signs of allergy or worsening symptoms. Do not use for prevention.
• Complete full course to prevent resistance/recurrence.

Product Substitutes: Other artemether/lumefantrine combinations like Coartem, Lumartem, Lumex Forte, or generic AL (artemether-lumefantrine) 80/480 mg. Other ACTs (e.g., artemether-lumefantrine variants, dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine) may be alternatives—consult a healthcare provider based on local guidelines and resistance patterns.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Luex Healthcare

Country of Origin:

United Kingdom