In the pharmaceutical industry, the combination of Artemether and Lumefantrine is the global “gold standard” for Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT). As a pharmacist and manufacturer, I view this combination as the most critical asset for any firm exporting to malaria-endemic regions.
While the innovator brand is globally recognized, the Indian pharmaceutical sector provides the majority of the world’s high-quality generic versions for the public and private sectors.
Primary Brand Names
| Category | Brand Names | Manufacturer |
| Global Innovator | Coartem, Riamet | Novartis |
| Leading Indian Brands | Lumet, Lumerax, Combither, Falcinil-LF | Cipla, Ipca, Aristo, Zuventus |
| Common Generic Export Brands | Artefan, Lumart, Arh L, Falcynate-LF | Ajanta Pharma, Lincoln Pharma, various |
Formulations & Strengths
At your WHO-GMP facility in Mumbai, you likely deal with three primary strengths, which are essential for correct weight-based dosing in pediatric and adult populations:
Standard Strength (20/120): 20 mg Artemether + 120 mg Lumefantrine (Yellow, round, scored tablets).
Forte Strength (80/480): 80 mg Artemether + 480 mg Lumefantrine (High-strength to reduce pill burden for adults).
Dispersible Tablets: Specifically designed for infants and children; these dissolve rapidly in a small amount of water or milk.
The Pharmacist’s “Technical Warning”
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The “Fatty Meal” Rule: Lumefantrine is highly lipophilic. Patients must take the tablets with food or a drink rich in fat (like milk). Taking it on an empty stomach can reduce absorption by up to 90%, potentially leading to treatment failure.
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QT Prolongation Risk: As we discussed, this combination can prolong the QT interval. It must be avoided with other QT-prolonging drugs like Levofloxacin, Amiodarone, or Halofantrine.
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The 1-Hour Vomit Rule: If a patient vomits within one hour of taking the dose, they must repeat the full dose immediately to ensure therapeutic levels are reached.
The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Technical & Export
From a production and B2B standpoint at your facility:
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The “Infant Design” Trend: In 2025–2026, regulators (like Swissmedic) have approved specialized cherry-flavored dispersible versions for infants under 4.5 kg. Developing these can give your marketplace a unique technical edge.
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Stability for Export: Artemether is sensitive to heat. Utilizing Alu-Alu blister packaging is mandatory to ensure a 36-month shelf life in tropical Zone IVb regions.
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Dossier Support: We provide full CTD/eCTD Dossiers to support your firm’s registration in international tenders (UNICEF, Global Fund), which prioritize WHO-prequalified manufacturers.