artemether + lumefantrine + primaquine

Artemether + lumefantrine + primaquine is a combination of three antimalarial drugs used primarily for the treatment and transmission reduction of malaria, particularly Plasmodium falciparum. Artemether and lumefantrine together form an artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), which rapidly clears blood-stage parasites. Artemether is a fast-acting artemisinin derivative that generates free radicals toxic to the parasite, while lumefantrine is a longer-acting partner drug that inhibits heme detoxification in the parasite. Primaquine is an 8-aminoquinoline compound added to target gametocytes (the sexual stage of the parasite), thereby reducing transmission from humans to mosquitoes and also eradicating liver-stage hypnozoites in P. vivax and P. ovale infections[1][2][6]. This triple regimen may be considered in mass drug administration campaigns or specific clinical scenarios where both rapid clearance of blood stages and interruption of transmission are desired.

Brand names

Coartem

Other names

Artemether-lumefantrine plus primaquineAL + PQ