Description:

Lufart DS is a fixed-dose combination antimalarial tablet used to treat acute, uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in adults and children weighing 35 kg or more. It is an artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) that rapidly reduces parasite load in the blood and prevents resistance development. It is effective against chloroquine-resistant strains and is a standard treatment in malaria-endemic areas like Ghana.

Prescription:

• Prescription required; consult a physician before use.

Therapeutic Category:

• Antimalarial (artemisinin-based combination therapy / ACT for uncomplicated falciparum malaria).

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Artemether 80 mg + Lumefantrine 480 mg per tablet.

Vitamins: Not present.

Minerals: Not present.

Variant:

• Standard adult/DS strength: 80 mg artemether + 480 mg lumefantrine per tablet (for patients ≥35 kg; lower strengths like 20/120 mg exist for children).

Consume Type:

• Oral (tablet form).

Directions/Usage:

Take with food or milk to improve absorption (essential for lumefantrine).

• Adults and children ≥35 kg: 1 tablet twice daily for 3 days (total 6 tablets).
  • Day 1: 1 tablet initially, then 1 tablet 8 hours later.
  • Days 2 & 3: 1 tablet every 12 hours (morning and evening).
• Complete the full 6-dose course even if symptoms improve.
• If vomiting occurs within 1–2 hours, repeat the dose.
• Not for prevention or severe malaria (use injectable artesunate for severe cases).

Common Side Effects:

• Headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, fatigue, joint/muscle pain (arthralgia/myalgia), cough, or palpitations. Most are mild and resolve after treatment.

Package Type:

• Blister strip of 6 tablets (standard adult pack size).

Storage Advice:

• Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Not for severe or complicated malaria (use injectable treatments). Avoid in first trimester of pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks (use artemether-lumefantrine in 2nd/3rd trimesters if needed). Use caution in breastfeeding (limited data). Contraindicated with strong CYP3A4 inducers/inhibitors or drugs prolonging QT interval. May interact with antiretrovirals, antibiotics, or hormonal contraceptives. Inform doctor of heart, liver, kidney issues, or allergies. Complete full course to prevent resistance. Monitor for rare QT prolongation or hemolytic anemia.

Product Substitutes:

• Coartem 80/480mg (Novartis original)
• Lonart DS 80/480mg
• Artem DS 80/480mg
• Duomal Forte 80/480mg
• Other artemether-lumefantrine 80/480mg generics (common in Ghana pharmacies). Consult a doctor for suitable alternatives.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

• Entrance

Country of Origin:

• Ghana