alm 80 tablet - Artemether (80mg) + Lumefantrine (480mg) medicine

Combither Forte 80mg/480mg Tablet: Complete Guide to Uses, Dosage, and Safety

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🏭 Makers Laboratories Ltd 📦 Varies by brand 💊 Allopathy 📅 Updated: Sep 23, 2026
⚠️ Hepatotoxicity Risk 📋 Prescription Required 💊 Generic Available
Medically Reviewed
11 min read
Evidence: High
Reviewed by
SaathiMed Expert Panel | Sep 23, 2026

When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY

  • Difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or throat
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness
  • Irregular or very fast heartbeat
  • Severe skin rash or blistering
  • Yellowing of the eyes or skin
  • Dark urine or decreased urine output
  • Persistent vomiting preventing oral intake
  • High fever not responding to treatment after 48 hours

If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.

What is alm 80 tablet used for?

This medicine is a combination antimalarial tablet containing artemether 80 mg and lumefantrine 480 mg. It is used to treat acute uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in adults and children weighing 35 kg or more. It works by killing the malaria parasites in the blood. It must be taken with fatty food for best absorption.

  • Generic Name: Artemether + Lumefantrine
  • Manufacturer: Makers Laboratories Ltd
  • Form: Allopathy
  • Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
  • Prescription Required: Yes

🇮🇳 alm 80 tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)

उपयोग: यह दवा आर्टेमेथर और लुमेफैंट्रिन का संयोजन है, जिसका उपयोग मलेरिया (प्लास्मोडियम फाल्सीपेरम) के इलाज के लिए किया जाता है। यह मलेरिया परजीवी को मारती है और बुखार, ठंड लगना, पसीना आना, सिरदर्द और मांसपेशियों में दर्द जैसे लक्षणों से राहत दिलाती है। इसे भोजन के साथ लेना चाहिए ताकि यह अच्छी तरह से अवशोषित हो सके।

साइड इफेक्ट्स: आम दुष्प्रभावों में सिरदर्द, चक्कर आना, मतली, उल्टी, पेट दर्द, धड़कन तेज होना और नींद में गड़बड़ी शामिल हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं लेकिन एलर्जी, दिल की धड़कन में अनियमितता और लीवर की समस्या हो सकती है। यदि आपको सांस लेने में कठिनाई, चेहरे या गले में सूजन, या बेहोशी महसूस हो, तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से मिलें।

सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के निर्देशानुसार ही लें, और इसे भोजन या दूध के साथ लें। उपचार का पूरा कोर्स पूरा करें, भले ही आप बेहतर महसूस करें। इलाज के दौरान शराब न पिएं। यदि आपको दिल, लीवर या किडनी की बीमारी है, तो डॉक्टर को बताएं। दवा लेने के बाद चक्कर आ सकते हैं, इसलिए वाहन चलाने से बचें।

💡 Did You Know? Over 80% of the antiretroviral drugs used globally to combat AIDS are supplied by Indian pharmaceutical companies.

💊 alm 80 tablet Uses & Benefits

[{"condition":"Acute uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria","description":"First-line treatment for uncomplicated falciparum malaria in adults and children weighing 35 kg or more, as per WHO guidelines.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Malaria in travelers returning from endemic areas","description":"Effective for treating uncomplicated falciparum malaria acquired in endemic regions.","evidence":"Well-established"}]

Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Plasmodium vivax malaria","description":"Sometimes used in combination with primaquine for vivax malaria, but not the standard first-line treatment.","evidence":"Limited"}]

Primary treatment for: Acute uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria

Also treats: Malaria in travelers, Mixed malaria infections (with caution)

📋 Drug Information

Generic Name(s)Artemether + Lumefantrine
Brand NameArtether L
ManufacturerMakers Laboratories Ltd
Packaging / FormVaries by brand (Allopathy)
Therapeutic ClassANTI MALARIALS
Action ClassAntimalarial
Route of AdministrationOral
StorageStore at room temperature (15-30°C) in the original packaging, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Shelf Life24 months from the date of manufacture.
WHO GuidelineWHO recommends artemether-lumefantrine as a first-line treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in adults and children weighing 35 kg or more.
ICMR GuidelineICMR guidelines also recommend artemether-lumefantrine as a first-line ACT for uncomplicated falciparum malaria in India.

👨‍⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips

Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians

1
Always prescribe this medicine with a fatty meal or milk to ensure optimal absorption of lumefantrine.
2
Warn patients about the risk of QT prolongation and avoid concomitant use with other QT-prolonging drugs.
3
Instruct patients to complete the full 3-day course even if symptoms resolve early.
4
Monitor for signs of allergic reactions, especially during the first dose.
5
Advise patients to avoid alcohol during treatment to reduce the risk of liver toxicity.
6
Consider alternative antimalarial therapy in patients with severe hepatic or renal impairment.
7
For patients with cardiac disease, perform an ECG before starting treatment.

🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?

Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.

Fever with chills and sweating
This medicine is commonly prescribed for malaria with these symptoms.
Likely Use
Headache and muscle pain
These are common malaria symptoms that this medicine treats.
Likely Use
Common cold
This medicine is not effective for viral infections.
Not Primary

🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)

Pharmacokinetics

AbsorptionLumefantrine absorption is highly variable and significantly enhanced when taken with fatty food. Artemether is rapidly absorbed. Bioavailability of lumefantrine increases up to 16-fold with a high-fat meal compared to fasting.
DistributionBoth drugs are widely distributed to tissues. Lumefantrine is highly lipophilic and accumulates in adipose tissue and liver. Protein binding is high for both: artemether ~95% and lumefantrine >99%.
Protein BindingArtemether is approximately 95% bound to plasma proteins. Lumefantrine is more than 99% bound to plasma proteins, primarily albumin.
MetabolismArtemether is metabolized by CYP3A4/3A5 to its active metabolite dihydroartemisinin. Lumefantrine is metabolized primarily by CYP3A4 to desbutyl-lumefantrine.
Half-LifeArtemether half-life is about 2-3 hours; dihydroartemisinin about 1-2 hours. Lumefantrine half-life is approximately 3-6 days.
ExcretionArtemether and its metabolites are excreted mainly in bile and feces. Lumefantrine is excreted primarily in feces via bile.
BioavailabilityArtemether bioavailability is low but increases with food. Lumefantrine bioavailability is highly variable and increases significantly with fatty food.
Onset of ActionRapid antimalarial effect begins within hours; fever and parasitemia reduction typically within 24-48 hours.
Peak Plasma TimeArtemether peaks in 1-2 hours; lumefantrine peaks in 6-8 hours after oral administration with food.
Duration of ActionArtemether provides rapid parasite clearance; lumefantrine provides prolonged action over several days due to its long half-life.

How It Works

This medicine combines two antimalarial agents with complementary mechanisms. Artemether, an artemisinin derivative, is activated by heme iron within the parasite's food vacuole, generating free radicals that alkylate and damage parasite proteins and membranes, leading to rapid parasite clearance. Lumefantrine, a aryl-amino alcohol, inhibits the formation of beta-hematin (hemozoin) in the food vacuole, preventing the detoxification of heme and causing toxic heme accumulation that kills the parasite. Together, they provide rapid symptom relief and prevent recrudescence.

Mechanism Steps

1
Activation of artemether: Artemether is activated by heme iron released from hemoglobin digestion in the parasite's food vacuole.
2
Free radical generation: Activated artemether generates free radicals that alkylate and damage parasite proteins and membranes.
3
Parasite death: The damage leads to rapid parasite death and clearance from the bloodstream.
4
Lumefantrine action: Lumefantrine inhibits beta-hematin formation, causing toxic heme accumulation that kills remaining parasites.

💡 How to Take alm 80 tablet

Strength: Tablet containing artemether 80 mg and lumefantrine 480 mg.

1Take this medicine with a fatty meal or a glass of milk to improve absorption.
2Swallow the tablets whole with water. Do not crush or chew.
3Follow the dosing schedule exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
4If you vomit within 1 hour of taking a dose, consult your doctor for a repeat dose.
5Complete the full course even if you feel better after a few doses.

Dosage Information

Adult DosageThe standard adult dose for uncomplicated falciparum malaria is 4 tablets (each containing artemether 80 mg and lumefantrine 480 mg) taken orally at 0, 8, 24, 36, 48, and 60 hours. This medicine must be taken with fatty food or milk. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function.
Pediatric DosagePediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician.
Elderly DosageNo specific dose adjustment is recommended for elderly patients, but use with caution due to potential cardiac and hepatic issues. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician.
Renal ImpairmentNo dose adjustment is required for mild to moderate renal impairment. Use with caution in severe renal impairment. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician.
Hepatic ImpairmentNo dose adjustment is required for mild to moderate hepatic impairment. Avoid in severe hepatic impairment. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician.
Maximum Daily DoseThe maximum daily dose is 4 tablets (artemether 320 mg and lumefantrine 1920 mg) per day, given as a split dose on the first day (0 and 8 hours).

Dosage Timeline

🌅 Morning ❌ ☀️ Afternoon ❌ 🌆 Evening ❌ 🌙 Night ❌

🍽️ Food Timing Guide

Fatty meals
Take with food
Enhances absorption of lumefantrine.
Milk
Take with milk
Improves absorption and reduces stomach upset.
Grapefruit juice
Avoid
May increase drug levels and risk of side effects.

⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose

📌 Less than half the dosing interval has passed
→ Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
💡 Continue with the regular schedule.
📌 More than half the dosing interval has passed
→ Skip the missed dose.
💡 Do not double dose to catch up.

⚠️ Side Effects of alm 80 tablet

✅ Common Side Effects

Headache (Common (10-20%))
Usually resolves on its own. Rest and hydration may help. Consult doctor if severe or persistent.
Dizziness (Common (5-10%))
Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you. Consult if persistent.
Nausea (Common (5-10%))
Take with food to reduce nausea. Consult doctor if vomiting occurs within 1 hour of dose.
Vomiting (Common (5-10%))
If vomiting occurs within 1 hour of taking the dose, consult your doctor as a repeat dose may be needed.
Abdominal pain (Common (5-10%))
Take with food. Consult if severe or persistent.
Palpitations (Uncommon (1-5%))
Report to your doctor if you experience a racing or irregular heartbeat.
Sleep disturbances (Uncommon (1-5%))
Usually transient. Consult if it affects your daily activities.

🚨 Serious Side Effects

Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis, angioedema) (Rare (<0.1%))
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience swelling of face, lips, throat, difficulty breathing, or severe rash.
QT interval prolongation and arrhythmias (Rare (<0.1%))
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience fainting, irregular heartbeat, or chest pain.
Hepatotoxicity (Rare (<0.1%))
Report yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe abdominal pain to your doctor immediately.

⚠️ Rare Side Effects

Bradycardia
Seek medical attention if you experience unusually slow heartbeat.
Hypotension
Seek medical attention if you feel faint or dizzy upon standing.

Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.

🔬 Drug Interactions

Drug Severity Effect
Ketoconazole Major
Amiodarone Major
Warfarin Major
Rifampicin Moderate
Carbamazepine Moderate
Phenytoin Moderate
Hormonal contraceptives Moderate
Antacids Minor
Grapefruit juice Minor
Alcohol Moderate

🚨 Major Interactions

  • CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir)
  • QT-prolonging drugs (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol, haloperidol)
  • Warfarin

⚡ Moderate Interactions

  • CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin)
  • Hormonal contraceptives

🍷 Alcohol Interaction

Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. Alcohol may increase the risk of liver toxicity, dizziness, and gastrointestinal side effects.

🔎 Check Your Other Medicines

Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.

🛡️ Safety & Warnings

🚫 Contraindications

["Hypersensitivity to artemether or lumefantrine","Severe malaria (requires parenteral therapy)","First trimester of pregnancy (unless no alternative)","Congenital long QT syndrome","Severe hepatic impairment","Severe renal impairment","Use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors that prolong QT"]

⚠️ Warnings & Precautions

["Take with fatty food to ensure absorption.","Avoid in patients with known QT prolongation.","Monitor for signs of allergic reactions.","Use with caution in elderly and those with cardiac disease.","Do not use for malaria prevention.","Complete the full course to prevent resistance.","Avoid alcohol during treatment."]

🤱 Lactation Safety

Limited data. Artemether and lumefantrine are excreted in breast milk in small amounts. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding while on this medicine.

💊 Overdose Management

There is no specific antidote. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Monitor ECG for QT prolongation. Contact a poison control center or emergency department immediately if overdose is suspected.

⏰ Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Additional Safety Advice

General Safety

Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, with a fatty meal or a glass of milk to improve absorption. Do not skip doses or stop treatment early, even if you feel better, as this can lead to treatment failure and drug resistance. Avoid alcohol during treatment as it may increase the risk of liver problems and dizziness. Inform your doctor if you have heart, liver, or kidney disease, or if you are taking other medications, especially those that affect heart rhythm. This medicine may cause dizziness; avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. Store in the original packaging at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.

👴 Special Considerations for Elderly

💡 For Patients Above 65

Elderly patients may be more susceptible to cardiac side effects such as QT prolongation. Use with caution and monitor ECG if risk factors are present.

🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)

If you are planning pregnancy, consult your doctor before taking this medicine. It is generally avoided in the first trimester. Use effective contraception during treatment and for 1 month after.

🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations

No specific restrictions, but inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist about this medicine as it may interact with other drugs.

🦷 Dental Procedures

Inform your dentist about this medicine before any dental procedure. No specific precautions are usually needed.

💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results

🏃
Use mosquito nets and repellents to prevent malaria.
🥗
Eliminate standing water around your home to reduce mosquito breeding.
😴
Wear protective clothing, especially during dusk and dawn.
💧
Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest during treatment.
🧘
Complete the full course of treatment even if you feel better.

🏋️ Exercise Considerations

Avoid strenuous exercise during treatment as you may feel weak and dizzy. Gradually resume activities as you recover.

🥗 Diet Recommendations

Take this medicine with fatty foods like milk, yogurt, or nuts.
Eat a balanced diet to support recovery.
Stay well hydrated with water and oral rehydration solutions.
Avoid alcohol and grapefruit juice during treatment.

💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life

This medicine may cause dizziness and fatigue. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. Take rest and stay hydrated.

🛑 When to Stop This Medicine

Do not stop this medicine without consulting your doctor. Complete the full prescribed course even if you feel better. If you experience serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

📅 Long-Term Use Effects

Long-term effects are not well established as this medicine is typically used for short courses. However, repeated use may increase the risk of drug resistance. Monitoring for liver and heart function may be needed in patients with underlying conditions.

🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches

These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.

Other ACTs (e.g., artesunate + sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine)

Alternative first-line treatments for uncomplicated falciparum malaria.

Evidence: Well-established
Atovaquone + proguanil

Alternative for treatment and prophylaxis.

Evidence: Well-established

💉 Vaccination Considerations

💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated

No specific vaccine interactions reported. Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date.

📦 Storage Guide

✅ DO

Store at room temperature (15-30°C)

❌ DON'T

Do not refrigerate unless specified

✅ DO

Keep in original container

❌ DON'T

Do not transfer to unmarked containers

✅ DO

Keep away from direct sunlight

❌ DON'T

Do not store in bathroom cabinet

✈️ Traveling with This Medicine

When traveling, carry this medicine in its original packaging along with a copy of your prescription. Store it at room temperature and protect it from moisture and direct sunlight. If crossing time zones, adjust dosing times to maintain the 8-hour intervals as prescribed. Check customs regulations for carrying prescription medicines into your destination country.

💰 Cost Analysis & Savings

👥 Real Patient Stories

Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.

👤 A 35-year-old man traveling to a malaria-endemic region
He developed fever and chills after returning from a trip. He was diagnosed with uncomplicated falciparum malaria and prescribed this medicine. He took it with milk as directed and completed the full course. His fever subsided within 48 hours, and he recovered fully.
💡 Lesson: Taking this medicine with fatty food and completing the full course is essential for cure and preventing relapse.
👤 A 28-year-old pregnant woman in her second trimester
She contracted malaria and was treated with this medicine under medical supervision. She was monitored for side effects and completed the treatment successfully without complications.
💡 Lesson: This medicine can be used in pregnancy when clearly needed, but only under strict medical supervision.

💬 Questions Patients Often Ask

Q: How long does it take to work?

A: This medicine starts working within hours, but fever and other symptoms typically improve within 24-48 hours. Complete the full course for a cure.

Q: Can I take this medicine without food?

A: No, this medicine must be taken with fatty food or milk to ensure proper absorption. Taking it without food may reduce its effectiveness.

Q: What should I do if I vomit after taking this medicine?

A: If you vomit within 1 hour of taking a dose, consult your doctor as you may need to repeat the dose.

Q: Is this medicine safe in pregnancy?

A: This medicine is generally considered safe in the second and third trimesters, but should be used only if clearly needed and under medical supervision. Avoid in the first trimester unless no alternative is available.

🤔 Common Patient Concerns

💭 These are the concerns patients most commonly raise

  • Can I take this medicine without food?
  • How long does it take to cure malaria?
  • Is this medicine safe for my heart?
  • Can I take this medicine with other medications?
  • What if I miss a dose?
  • Can I drink alcohol while taking this medicine?

🔄 Substitutes for alm 80 tablet

View All

Alternative brands with exact same active ingredient:

Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.

🛑 Myths vs. Facts

  • Myth: This medicine can be used to prevent malaria.
    Fact: This medicine is only for treating confirmed malaria, not for prevention.
  • Myth: You can stop taking this medicine once you feel better.
    Fact: You must complete the full course to prevent relapse and resistance.
  • Myth: This medicine works for all types of malaria.
    Fact: It is specifically for Plasmodium falciparum malaria and not for other species like vivax.

🔄 Alternative Options

Generic Alternatives

  • Artemether 80 mg + Lumefantrine 480 mg tablet (generic)

Brand Alternatives

  • Coartem 80/480
  • Lumether Forte
  • Falcigo 80/480

📊 Comparison with Similar Medicines

[{"medicine":"Artemether + Lumefantrine","class":"ACT","efficacy":"High","half_life":"3-6 days (lumefantrine)","notes":"First-line for uncomplicated falciparum malaria"},{"medicine":"Artesunate + Sulfadoxine/Pyrimethamine","class":"ACT","efficacy":"High","half_life":"Varies","notes":"Alternative ACT"},{"medicine":"Atovaquone + Proguanil","class":"Antimalarial combination","efficacy":"High","half_life":"2-3 days","notes":"Used for treatment and prophylaxis"}]

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