artisafe l 40 mg/240 mg tablet dt - Artemether (40mg) + Lumefantrine (240mg) medicine

ARH S Forte Tablet: Complete Guide to Uses, Dosage, and Safety

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🏭 Alkem Laboratories Ltd 📦 Varies by brand 💊 Allopathy 📅 Updated: Oct 22, 2026
⚠️ Hepatotoxicity Risk 📋 Prescription Required 💊 Generic Available
Medically Reviewed
11 min read
Evidence: High
Reviewed by
SaathiMed Expert Panel | Oct 22, 2026
🩺
Medically Fact-Checked & Clinically Verified by SaathiMed Clinical Review Board
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026

When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY

  • Difficulty breathing or swelling of face, lips, or throat
  • Irregular heartbeat or fainting
  • Severe abdominal pain or vomiting blood
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes
  • Dark urine or decreased urine output
  • Persistent high fever despite treatment
  • Severe headache with confusion or seizures

If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.

What is artisafe l 40 mg/240 mg tablet dt used for?

This medicine is a combination antimalarial tablet containing Artemether 40 mg and Lumefantrine 240 mg. It is used to treat uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in adults and children weighing 5 kg or more. It works by killing the malaria parasites in the blood. Take it with fatty food for best absorption.

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

🇮🇳 artisafe l 40 mg/240 mg tablet dt के बारे में (Hindi Summary)

उपयोग: यह दवा आर्टेमेथर और ल्यूमेफैंट्रिन 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।

साइड इफेक्ट्स: आम दुष्प्रभावों में सिरदर्द, चक्कर आना, मतली, उल्टी, पेट दर्द, धड़कन बढ़ना और नींद में गड़बड़ी शामिल हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं, लेकिन एलर्जी, अनियमित दिल की धड़कन या लीवर की समस्या हो सकती है। किसी भी गंभीर लक्षण पर तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।

सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें। इसे दूध या वसायुक्त भोजन के साथ लें। खाली पेट न लें। पूरा कोर्स पूरा करें, बीच में न छोड़ें। शराब न पिएं। गर्भवती महिलाएं डॉक्टर से सलाह लें। दूसरों के साथ दवा साझा न करें।

💡 Did You Know? The Indian pharmaceutical market is expected to reach $130 billion by 2030.

💊 artisafe l 40 mg/240 mg tablet dt Uses & Benefits

  • [{"condition":"Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria","description":"First-line treatment for acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria in adults and children weighing 5 kg or more.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Mixed malaria infections","description":"May be used for mixed infections where P.
  • falciparum is present, but additional treatment for other species may be needed.","evidence":"Established"}]

Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Malaria chemoprophylaxis","description":"Not recommended for prevention of malaria; other drugs are preferred.","evidence":"Not recommended"}]

Primary treatment for: Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria

Also treats: Mixed malaria infections

📋 Drug Information

Generic Name(s)Artemether + Lumefantrine
Brand NameArtether L
ManufacturerAlkem Laboratories Ltd
Packaging / FormVaries by brand (Allopathy)
Therapeutic ClassANTI MALARIALS
Action ClassAntimalarial
Route of AdministrationOral
StorageStore below 30°C in a dry place, protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.
Shelf Life24 months from date of manufacture.
WHO GuidelineWHO recommends artemether-lumefantrine as a first-line treatment for uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in adults and children.
ICMR GuidelineICMR also recommends artemether-lumefantrine as a first-line ACT for uncomplicated P. 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.
2
Warn patients about the risk of QT prolongation and avoid concurrent use with QT-prolonging drugs.
3
Advise patients to complete the full 3-day course even if symptoms improve.
4
Screen for cardiac history and electrolyte imbalances before prescribing.
5
Instruct patients to use effective contraception during treatment and for one month after.
6
Monitor for signs of allergic reactions and advise immediate medical attention if they occur.

🔍 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

AbsorptionArtemether is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak concentrations reached in about 2 hours. Lumefantrine absorption is variable and significantly enhanced when taken with fatty food, increasing bioavailability by up to 16-fold.
DistributionBoth drugs are widely distributed to tissues. Artemether and its metabolite dihydroartemisinin are highly protein-bound. Lumefantrine is highly lipophilic and distributes extensively into tissues.
Protein BindingArtemether and dihydroartemisinin are approximately 95% bound to plasma proteins. Lumefantrine is over 99% bound to plasma proteins, primarily albumin.
MetabolismArtemether is metabolized primarily by CYP3A4/3A5 to dihydroartemisinin. Lumefantrine is metabolized mainly 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 moderate; lumefantrine bioavailability is highly dependent on co-administration with fat, ranging from 4% to 16% increase with food.
Onset of ActionAntimalarial effect begins within hours of first dose, with significant parasite reduction within 24-48 hours.
Peak Plasma TimeArtemether: about 2 hours; Lumefantrine: about 6-8 hours (with food).
Duration of ActionArtemether provides rapid parasite clearance; lumefantrine provides prolonged action for several days due to its long half-life.

How It Works

This medicine combines two antimalarial agents with complementary mechanisms. Artemether is converted to dihydroartemisinin, which generates free radicals that alkylate and damage parasite proteins, leading to rapid parasite death. Lumefantrine inhibits the formation of beta-hematin (hemozoin) in the parasite's food vacuole, preventing detoxification of heme and causing parasite death. The combination ensures rapid clearance of parasites and prevents recrudescence.

Mechanism Steps

1
Artemether activation: Artemether is metabolized to dihydroartemisinin, which reacts with heme iron to form free radicals.
2
Parasite protein damage: Free radicals alkylate parasite proteins and lipids, disrupting essential functions.
3
Lumefantrine action: Lumefantrine inhibits heme polymerization, causing toxic heme accumulation in the parasite.
4
Parasite clearance: The combined effects lead to rapid parasite death and clearance from the bloodstream.

💡 How to Take artisafe l 40 mg/240 mg tablet dt

Strength: Tablet containing Artemether 40 mg and Lumefantrine 240 mg.

1Take this medicine with a fatty meal or a glass of milk to improve absorption.
2Swallow the tablet 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 advice.
5Complete the full 3-day course even if you feel better.
6Do not share this medicine with anyone else.

Dosage Information

Adult DosageThe standard adult dose is 4 tablets (each containing artemether 40 mg and lumefantrine 240 mg) taken orally at 0, 8, 24, 36, 48, and 60 hours. This provides a total of 24 tablets over 3 days. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function.
Pediatric DosagePediatric dosing is weight-based and must be determined by a pediatrician. The number of tablets per dose varies by weight. Consult a pediatrician for accurate dosing.
Elderly DosageNo specific dose adjustment is recommended for elderly patients, but use with caution due to potential cardiac, hepatic, or renal impairment. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician.
Renal ImpairmentNo dose adjustment is needed for mild to moderate renal impairment. Use with caution in severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min).
Hepatic ImpairmentNo dose adjustment is needed for mild to moderate hepatic impairment. Use with caution in severe hepatic impairment.
Maximum Daily DoseThe maximum daily dose is 4 tablets per dose, with a total of 16 tablets on day 1 and 8 tablets on days 2 and 3, as per the standard regimen.

Dosage Timeline

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

🍽️ Food Timing Guide

Fatty meals (e.g., milk, yogurt, fried food)
Take with fat-containing food
Increases absorption of lumefantrine significantly.
Grapefruit juice
Avoid
May increase drug levels by inhibiting CYP3A4.

⏰ 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 artisafe l 40 mg/240 mg tablet dt

✅ Common Side Effects

Headache (Common (10-20%))
Rest and stay hydrated. Consult doctor if severe or persistent.
Dizziness (Common (5-10%))
Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
Nausea (Common (5-10%))
Take with food to reduce nausea. Consult doctor if vomiting occurs.
Vomiting (Common (5-10%))
If you vomit within 1 hour of taking the dose, consult your doctor for advice.
Abdominal pain (Common (5-10%))
Take with food. Consult doctor if severe.
Palpitations (Uncommon (1-5%))
Report to doctor if persistent or associated with chest discomfort.
Sleep disturbances (Uncommon (1-5%))
Usually temporary. Consult doctor if persistent.

🚨 Serious Side Effects

Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) (Rare (<0.1%))
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
QT interval prolongation (Rare (<0.1%))
Seek medical attention if you experience irregular heartbeat, fainting, or seizures.
Liver enzyme elevation (Rare (<0.1%))
Report yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe abdominal pain.

⚠️ Rare Side Effects

Hemolytic anemia
Seek medical attention if you experience unusual fatigue, pale skin, or dark urine.
Hypersensitivity reactions
Discontinue and seek immediate medical help.

Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.

🔬 Drug Interactions

Drug Severity Effect
Ketoconazole Major
Rifampicin Major
Amiodarone Major
Warfarin Moderate
Oral contraceptives Moderate
Antacids Minor

🚨 Major Interactions

  • CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir)
  • CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine)
  • QT-prolonging drugs (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol, moxifloxacin)

⚡ Moderate Interactions

  • Warfarin
  • Hormonal contraceptives

🍷 Alcohol Interaction

Alcohol may increase the risk of dizziness, drowsiness, and liver toxicity. Avoid alcohol during treatment.

🔎 Check Your Other Medicines

Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.

🛡️ Safety & Warnings

🚫 Contraindications

["Hypersensitivity to artemether or lumefantrine","Severe cardiac conduction abnormalities (e.g., congenital long QT syndrome)","Concurrent use with drugs that prolong QT interval","First trimester of pregnancy (unless no alternative)","Severe hepatic impairment","Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance

⚠️ Warnings & Precautions

["Take with fatty food to ensure adequate absorption.","Avoid in patients with a history of QT prolongation or arrhythmias.","Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney disease.","Do not use for malaria prevention.","Complete the full course to prevent resistance.","Avoid alcohol during treatment.","Use effective contraception during treatment and for one month after."]

🤱 Lactation Safety

Artemether and lumefantrine are excreted in breast milk in small amounts. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. Generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, but monitor infant for side effects.

💊 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.

⏰ 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 dose.

Additional Safety Advice

General Safety

Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet whole with water or a fatty drink such as milk, as fat improves absorption. Avoid taking it on an empty stomach. Do not skip doses or stop treatment early, even if you feel better. Inform your doctor if you have heart, liver, or kidney problems, or if you are taking other medications. Avoid alcohol during treatment. Use effective contraception during treatment and for at least one month after. Do not share this medicine with others.

👴 Special Considerations for Elderly

💡 For Patients Above 65

Elderly patients may be more susceptible to cardiac side effects and should be monitored for QT prolongation. Dose adjustment may be needed based on renal and hepatic function.

🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)

If you are planning pregnancy, consult your doctor. This medicine is generally avoided in the first trimester. Use effective contraception during treatment and for one month after.

🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations

Consult your doctor before taking this medicine after surgery, especially if you are on other medications or have cardiac issues.

🦷 Dental Procedures

Inform your dentist if you are taking this medicine, as it may interact with certain anesthetics or medications used during dental procedures.

💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results

🏃
Use mosquito nets and repellents to prevent malaria.
🥗
Eliminate stagnant water around your home.
😴
Wear protective clothing during peak mosquito hours.
💧
Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest during treatment.
🧘
Complete the full course of medicine even if you feel better.

🏋️ Exercise Considerations

Avoid strenuous exercise during treatment, especially if you experience dizziness or fatigue. Rest is important for recovery.

🥗 Diet Recommendations

Take the medicine with fatty food or milk.
Stay well hydrated.
Eat a balanced diet to support recovery.
Avoid alcohol during treatment.

💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life

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

🛑 When to Stop This Medicine

Do not stop this medicine without consulting your doctor. Complete the full prescribed course. If you experience severe 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. Prolonged use may increase the risk of QT prolongation and liver enzyme elevations. Regular monitoring may be required if used for extended periods.

🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches

These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.

Other artemisinin-based combination therapies

Alternatives like artesunate-sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine or dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine may be used.

Evidence: Well-established
Quinine-based therapy

Used when ACTs are not available or contraindicated.

Evidence: 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

Carry this medicine in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If traveling across time zones, adjust dosing times accordingly, but maintain the 8-hour intervals for the first day. Check customs regulations for carrying prescription medicines. Always carry enough for the full course.

💰 Cost Analysis & Savings

👥 Real Patient Stories

Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.

👤 A 35-year-old man with fever and chills diagnosed with uncomplicated falciparum malaria.
He was prescribed this medicine and took it with milk as advised. His fever subsided within 48 hours, and he completed the full course without significant side effects. He was advised to use contraception and avoid alcohol.
💡 Lesson: Taking the medicine with fatty food improves absorption and efficacy. Completing the full course prevents recurrence.
👤 A 28-year-old pregnant woman in her second trimester with malaria.
After consulting her doctor, she was prescribed this medicine. She took it under medical supervision and recovered fully. Her baby was born healthy.
💡 Lesson: This medicine can be used in the second and third trimesters under medical supervision. Always consult a doctor if pregnant.

💬 Questions Patients Often Ask

Q: How long does it take to work?

A: This medicine starts working within hours, but you must complete the full 3-day course to ensure cure.

Q: Can I take this medicine with milk?

A: Yes, taking it with milk or fatty food improves absorption.

Q: What should I do if I vomit after taking the dose?

A: If you vomit within 1 hour of taking the dose, consult your doctor for advice.

Q: Is this medicine safe for children?

A: It can be used in children weighing 5 kg or more, but dosing must be determined by a pediatrician.

🤔 Common Patient Concerns

💭 These are the concerns patients most commonly raise

  • Can I take this medicine with food?
  • What if I miss a dose?
  • Can I drink alcohol while taking this medicine?
  • Is this medicine safe for my heart?
  • Can I take this medicine if I am pregnant?
  • How long do I need to take this medicine?

🔄 Substitutes for artisafe l 40 mg/240 mg tablet dt

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 for treatment only, not for prevention.
  • Myth: You can stop taking this medicine once you feel better.
    Fact: You must complete the full 3-day course to ensure cure and prevent resistance.
  • Myth: This medicine works for all types of malaria.
    Fact: It is specifically for uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria; other species may require different treatment.

🔄 Alternative Options

Generic Alternatives

  • Artemether + Lumefantrine generic tablets

Brand Alternatives

  • Coartem
  • Lumether
  • Falcinil
  • Artemether-Lumefantrine combinations

📊 Comparison with Similar Medicines

[{"medicine":"This medicine","class":"Artemisinin-based combination therapy","route":"Oral","typical_use":"Uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria","notes":"First-line, rapid action, well tolerated."},{"medicine":"Artesunate + Sulfadoxine + Pyrimethamine","class":"Artemisinin-based combination therapy","route":"Oral","typical_use":"Uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria","notes":"Alternative first-line in some regions."},{"medicine":"Quinine","class":"Cinchona alkaloid","route":"Oral","typical_use":"Uncomplicated malaria","notes":"Older drug, more side effects, used when ACTs unavailable."}]

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