Artemether and lumefantrine are two antimalarial drugs commonly used in combination to treat malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum.
Artemether is a synthetic derivative of artemisinin, a compound extracted from the Chinese herb Artemisia annua. It belongs to the artemisinin class of antimalarial drugs and works by interfering with the parasite's ability to form heme, a critical component of hemoglobin. Artemether is highly effective against the asexual blood stages of the malaria parasite.
Lumefantrine, on the other hand, is a synthetic antimalarial drug that belongs to the aryl amino alcohol class. It works by inhibiting the polymerization of heme, which ultimately leads to the death of the malaria parasite. Lumefantrine has a long half-life and is highly effective against the sexual and asexual blood stages of the malaria parasite.
The combination of artemether and lumefantrine is considered one of the most effective treatments for uncomplicated falciparum malaria. The two drugs have complementary mechanisms of action and are administered in a fixed-dose combination to reduce the risk of resistance. The combination is generally well-tolerated, but side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and headache may occur. It is important to note that artemether and lumefantrine should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional and should not be used to prevent malaria.