azunate l 480 mg/80 mg tablet - Artesunate (480mg) + Lumefantrine (80mg) medicine

Azunate L 480 mg/80 mg Tablet: Complete Guide

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🏭 Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd 📦 Varies by brand 💊 Allopathy 📅 Updated: Oct 16, 2026
⚠️ Hepatotoxicity Risk 🤰 Pregnancy Category Not classified by FDA letter categories. Use only if clearly needed, especially in first trimester. Consult your doctor. 📋 Prescription Required 💊 Generic Available
Medically Reviewed
11 min read
Evidence: Well-established
Reviewed by
SaathiMed Expert Panel | Oct 16, 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

  • Severe allergic reaction: swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing.
  • Irregular heartbeat, fainting, or severe dizziness.
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe abdominal pain.
  • Painful skin rash with blisters or peeling.
  • Persistent vomiting or inability to keep the medicine down.
  • High fever that does not improve within 48 hours.

If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.

What is azunate l 480 mg/80 mg tablet used for?

This medicine is a combination antimalarial tablet containing artesunate 480 mg and lumefantrine 80 mg. It is used to treat uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in adults. It works by killing malaria parasites in the blood. It must be taken with food for best absorption.

  • Generic Name: Artesunate + Lumefantrine
  • Manufacturer: Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
  • Form: Allopathy
  • Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
  • Prescription Required: Yes

🇮🇳 azunate l 480 mg/80 mg tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)

उपयोग: यह दवा मलेरिया के इलाज के लिए इस्तेमाल की जाती है, खासकर प्लास्मोडियम फाल्सीपेरम मलेरिया के लिए। यह आर्टेसुनेट और लुमेफैंट्रिन का संयोजन है जो मलेरिया परजीवी को मारता है। इसे भोजन के साथ लेना चाहिए।

साइड इफेक्ट्स: आम दुष्प्रभावों में सिरदर्द, चक्कर आना, जी मिचलाना, उल्टी, पेट दर्द और भूख न लगना शामिल हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं लेकिन एलर्जी, दिल की धड़कन में गड़बड़ी या लीवर की समस्या हो सकती है। किसी भी गंभीर लक्षण पर तुरंत डॉक्टर से मिलें।

सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें, भोजन या दूध के साथ। पूरा कोर्स पूरा करें, बीच में न छोड़ें। शराब न पिएं। दिल, लीवर या किडनी की बीमारी हो तो डॉक्टर को बताएं। दवा को ठंडी और सूखी जगह पर रखें।

💡 Did You Know? India is the largest provider of generic medicines globally, supplying over 50% of global vaccine demand.

💊 azunate l 480 mg/80 mg tablet Uses & Benefits

  • [{"condition":"Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria","description":"This medicine is used to treat acute, uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum in adults.
  • It rapidly reduces parasite load and resolves symptoms such as fever, chills, and body aches.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Mixed malaria infections","description":"In areas where multiple malaria species coexist, this medicine may be used to treat mixed infections that include Plasmodium falciparum, although additional treatment for other species may be needed.","evidence":"Established"}]

Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Malaria in pregnancy (second and third trimester)","description":"This medicine may be used off-label in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy when other options are not suitable, but only under strict medical supervision.","evidence":"Limited"}]

Primary treatment for: Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria

Also treats: Mixed malaria infections

📋 Drug Information

Generic Name(s)Artesunate + Lumefantrine
Brand NameAzunate L 480 mg/80 mg Tablet
ManufacturerMacleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt 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 the date of manufacture.
WHO GuidelineWHO recommends artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. This medicine is an ACT.
ICMR GuidelineICMR guidelines recommend ACTs for uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in India. This medicine is one such combination.

👨‍⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips

Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians

1
Always take this medicine with food or a fatty drink like milk to ensure proper absorption.
2
Complete the full 3-day course even if you feel better after the first dose.
3
Avoid alcohol during treatment to reduce the risk of heart rhythm problems.
4
If you vomit within 1 hour of taking a dose, consult your doctor as a repeat dose may be needed.
5
Inform your doctor if you have heart, liver, or kidney problems before starting this medicine.
6
Use additional contraception if you are on hormonal birth control during treatment.

🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?

Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.

✅
Fever with chills
This medicine is commonly prescribed for malaria with these symptoms.
Likely Use
❌
Headache
This medicine is not a primary headache reliever.
Not Primary

🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)

Pharmacokinetics

AbsorptionArtesunate is rapidly absorbed after oral administration and converted to dihydroartemisinin. Lumefantrine absorption is highly variable and significantly increased when taken with fatty food, with bioavailability increasing up to 16-fold compared to fasting.
DistributionBoth artesunate and lumefantrine are widely distributed to tissues. Lumefantrine is highly lipophilic and accumulates in adipose tissue and other tissues.
Protein BindingLumefantrine is highly protein-bound (>99%), primarily to lipoproteins and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein. Artesunate and dihydroartemisinin are moderately bound to plasma proteins.
MetabolismArtesunate is rapidly hydrolyzed to dihydroartemisinin, which is further metabolized by glucuronidation. Lumefantrine is metabolized primarily by CYP3A4 to desbutyl-lumefantrine.
Half-LifeArtesunate/dihydroartemisinin half-life is approximately 1-2 hours. Lumefantrine half-life is approximately 3-6 days.
ExcretionArtesunate and its metabolites are excreted mainly in bile and feces, with a small amount in urine. Lumefantrine is excreted primarily in feces via bile.
BioavailabilityArtesunate bioavailability is not well established but is rapidly converted to dihydroartemisinin. Lumefantrine bioavailability is highly variable and increases significantly with food.
Onset of ActionArtesunate begins killing parasites within hours, leading to fever reduction within 24-48 hours.
Peak Plasma TimeArtesunate peak plasma time is about 1-2 hours. Lumefantrine peak plasma time is about 6-8 hours.
Duration of ActionThe antimalarial effect lasts for several days, with lumefantrine providing prolonged protection against recrudescence.

How It Works

This medicine combines two antimalarial agents with complementary mechanisms. Artesunate is a prodrug that is rapidly converted to dihydroartemisinin, which generates reactive oxygen species and alkylates parasite proteins, leading to rapid killing of blood-stage malaria parasites. Lumefantrine interferes with the parasite's ability to detoxify heme, causing toxic heme accumulation that kills the parasite. Together, they provide rapid symptom relief and prevent recrudescence.

Mechanism Steps

1
Artesunate activation: Artesunate is rapidly converted to dihydroartemisinin, which reacts with iron in the parasite to form free radicals.
2
Parasite protein damage: Free radicals alkylate and damage essential parasite proteins, leading to parasite death.
3
Lumefantrine action: Lumefantrine inhibits the polymerization of heme into hemozoin, causing toxic heme accumulation within the parasite.
4
Parasite clearance: The combined effects rapidly clear blood-stage parasites and prevent recrudescence.

💡 How to Take azunate l 480 mg/80 mg tablet

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

1Take this medicine with food or a fatty drink such as 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 as a repeat dose may be needed.
5Complete the full 3-day course even if you feel better.

Dosage Information

Adult DosageThe usual adult dose is 4 tablets (each containing artesunate 480 mg and lumefantrine 80 mg) taken orally at 0, 8, 24, 36, 48, and 60 hours with food or milk. 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 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 heart, liver, or kidney issues. Consult your doctor.
Renal ImpairmentNo dose adjustment is recommended for mild to moderate renal impairment. Use with caution in severe renal impairment.
Hepatic ImpairmentNo dose adjustment is recommended for mild to moderate hepatic impairment. Use with caution in severe hepatic impairment.
Maximum Daily DoseThe maximum daily dose is 4 tablets (artesunate 1920 mg + lumefantrine 320 mg) per day for 3 days.

Dosage Timeline

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

🍽️ Food Timing Guide

With food
Take with meals
Increases absorption of lumefantrine.
Grapefruit
Avoid
May increase drug levels.

⏰ 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 azunate l 480 mg/80 mg tablet

✅ Common Side Effects

Headache (Common (5-10%))
Usually resolves on its own. Consult doctor if persistent or severe.
Dizziness (Common (5-10%))
Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
Loss of appetite (Common (5-10%))
Eat small, frequent meals. Consult doctor if it persists.
Nausea (Common (5-10%))
Take with food to reduce nausea. Consult doctor if severe.
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 doctor if severe or persistent.
Palpitations (Uncommon (1-5%))
Report to your doctor if you feel your heart racing or fluttering.
Sleep disturbances (Uncommon (1-5%))
Practice good sleep hygiene. Consult doctor if it affects daily life.
Rash (Uncommon (1-5%))
Discontinue and consult doctor if rash spreads or is accompanied by other symptoms.

🚨 Serious Side Effects

Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) (Rare (<0.1%))
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat, difficulty breathing, or severe rash.
QT prolongation and arrhythmias (Rare (<0.1%))
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience fainting, irregular heartbeat, or severe dizziness.
Liver injury (Rare (<0.1%))
Seek medical attention if you notice yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe abdominal pain.
Severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome) (Very rare (<0.01%))
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop painful skin rash with blisters, peeling skin, or sores in mouth.

⚠️ Rare Side Effects

Hypersensitivity reactions
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe allergic symptoms.
Hemolytic anemia
Report unusual tiredness, pale skin, or dark urine to your doctor immediately.

Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.

🔬 Drug Interactions

Drug Severity Effect
Ketoconazole Major
Rifampicin Major
Amiodarone Major
Warfarin Moderate
Hormonal contraceptives Moderate
Antacids Moderate
Grapefruit juice 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

  • Hormonal contraceptives
  • Warfarin
  • Antacids

🍷 Alcohol Interaction

Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. Alcohol may increase the risk of heart rhythm problems and worsen side effects such as dizziness and nausea.

🔎 Check Your Other Medicines

Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.

🛡️ Safety & Warnings

🚫 Contraindications

["Hypersensitivity to artesunate, lumefantrine, or any component","Severe malaria (requires injectable therapy)","First trimester of pregnancy (unless no other option)","Known QT prolongation or family history of sudden death","Severe liver or kidney impairment"]

⚠️ Warnings & Precautions

["Take with food to ensure adequate absorption.","Avoid alcohol during treatment.","May cause dizziness; avoid driving if affected.","Inform your doctor if you have heart, liver, or kidney problems.","Do not use for malaria prevention.","Complete the full course as prescribed.","If vomiting occurs within 1 hour of dosing, consult your doctor."]

🤱 Lactation Safety

It is not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. Breastfeeding may be continued if the infant is healthy and the mother is not severely ill.

💊 Overdose Management

Overdose may cause severe nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and heart rhythm disturbances. Seek immediate medical attention. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. No specific antidote is available.

⏰ 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 food or a fatty drink such as milk. Do not skip doses or stop early, even if you feel better. Avoid alcohol during treatment as it may increase the risk of heart rhythm problems. Inform your doctor if you have heart, liver, or kidney problems, or if you are taking other medicines, especially those that affect heart rhythm. Do not share this medicine with others. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

👴 Special Considerations for Elderly

💡 For Patients Above 65

Use with caution in elderly due to potential heart, liver, or kidney issues. Monitor closely.

🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)

Consult your doctor before planning pregnancy. Use effective contraception during treatment.

🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations

Consult your doctor before surgery. Inform the surgeon about this medicine.

🦷 Dental Procedures

Inform your dentist about this medicine. No specific precautions reported.

💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results

🏃
Use mosquito nets and repellents to prevent malaria.
🥗
Eliminate standing water around your home.
😴
Wear protective clothing in malaria-endemic areas.
💧
Take antimalarial prophylaxis if traveling to high-risk areas.
🧘
Seek early treatment for fever.

🏋️ Exercise Considerations

Avoid strenuous exercise if you feel dizzy or weak. Rest until you recover.

🥗 Diet Recommendations

Take with fatty food or milk.
Stay well hydrated.
Eat light, nutritious meals.

💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life

May cause dizziness; avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.

🛑 When to Stop This Medicine

Do not stop early. Complete the full course. If you experience severe side effects, consult your doctor before stopping.

📅 Long-Term Use Effects

Long-term effects are not well established as this medicine is typically used for a short 3-day course. No chronic toxicity has been reported with short-term use.

🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches

These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.

Other ACTs

Artemether-lumefantrine or artesunate-amodiaquine can be alternatives.

Evidence: Well-established

💉 Vaccination Considerations

💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated

No specific vaccine interactions reported. Complete routine vaccinations as scheduled.

📦 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.

💰 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 P. falciparum malaria.
He was prescribed this medicine and took it with milk as directed. His fever subsided within two days, and he completed the full course. He experienced mild dizziness but no serious side effects.
💡 Lesson: Taking the medicine with food and completing the full course leads to successful treatment.
👤 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 pregnancy continued without complications.
💡 Lesson: In pregnancy, this medicine should only be used under strict medical supervision, especially in the first trimester.

💬 Questions Patients Often Ask

Q: How long does it take to work?

A: Fever usually subsides within 24-48 hours, but you must complete the full 3-day course.

Q: Can I take it without food?

A: No, it must be taken with food or milk to ensure proper absorption.

Q: Is it safe during pregnancy?

A: Consult your doctor. It is generally avoided in the first trimester.

🤔 Common Patient Concerns

💭 These are the concerns patients most commonly raise

  • Can I take this medicine long-term?
  • Will it affect my kidney function?
  • Can I drive after taking this medicine?
  • Does it interact with my blood pressure medicine?
  • What if I miss a dose?
  • Can I drink alcohol while taking this?

🛑 Myths vs. Facts

  • Myth: This medicine can be taken without food.
    Fact: It must be taken with food, especially fatty food, to ensure proper absorption.
  • Myth: You can stop taking this medicine once you feel better.
    Fact: You must complete the full 3-day course to prevent relapse and resistance.
  • Myth: This medicine can prevent malaria.
    Fact: It is not for prevention; it is only for treatment of active malaria.

🔄 Alternative Options

Generic Alternatives

  • Artesunate + Lumefantrine combination tablets from other manufacturers

Brand Alternatives

  • Azunate L 480 mg/80 mg tablet

📊 Comparison with Similar Medicines

[{"medicine":"Artesunate + Lumefantrine","composition":"Artesunate 480 mg + Lumefantrine 80 mg","dosage":"4 tablets at 0, 8, 24, 36, 48, 60 hours","notes":"Current medicine"},{"medicine":"Artemether + Lumefantrine","composition":"Artemether 20 mg + Lumefantrine 120 mg","dosage":"4 tablets twice daily for 3 days","notes":"Alternative ACT"}]

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