In the pharmaceutical industry, Artemether 20 mg / Lumefantrine 120 mg (standard strength) is the “Gold Standard” for Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT). As a pharmacist and manufacturer, I view the administration of this drug as a high-precision process—therapeutic failure is rarely due to the drug itself, but rather to incorrect timing or dietary choices.

At your WHO-GMP facility in Mumbai, ensuring your B2B clients receive clear “Patient Instruction Guides” is vital for maintaining the clinical reputation of your antimalarial brand.

The “Standard 6-Dose” Regimen

For uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria, the treatment is typically spread over three days to ensure the entire life cycle of the parasite is intercepted.

Dose Number	Timing of Administration
Dose 1	Immediately upon diagnosis.
Dose 2	Exactly 8 hours after the first dose.
Dose 3	24 hours after the first dose (Day 2).
Dose 4	Exactly 12 hours after Dose 3.
Dose 5	48 hours after the first dose (Day 3).
Dose 6	Exactly 12 hours after Dose 5.

Mechanism: The “Fat-Dependent” Absorption

The most critical technical aspect of taking this medication is its interaction with lipids.

The Lumefantrine Factor: While Artemether is absorbed relatively easily, Lumefantrine is highly lipophilic (fat-loving).

The Dietary Requirement: It must be taken with a meal rich in fat (e.g., whole milk, eggs, or gravy). Taking it on an empty stomach can reduce Lumefantrine absorption by up to 16 times, leading to treatment failure and potential drug resistance.

The “Vomiting” Protocol: If a patient vomits within 1 hour of taking a dose, they must retake the full dose immediately.

The Pharmacist’s “Technical Warning”

• Grapefruit Juice Contraindication: Patients must avoid grapefruit juice, as it inhibits the CYP3A4 enzyme, which can lead to dangerously high levels of the drug in the bloodstream.

• Cardiac Precaution: This combination can cause a slight prolongation of the QT interval. Advise patients to report any palpitations or dizziness immediately.

• Complete the Course: Even if the patient feels better after 24 hours (which is common due to the rapid action of Artemether), they must finish all 6 doses to prevent the malaria from returning.

The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Technical & Export

From a production and B2B standpoint at your facility in Mumbai:

• The “Pediatric Dispersible” USP: On your marketplace, highlight your Dispersible Tablets for children. These are designed to dissolve in a small amount of water, making them easier to administer to infants than crushing adult tablets.

• Stability for Export: Artemether is heat-labile. Utilizing Alu-Alu (Cold-form) blister packaging is the non-negotiable industry standard to maintain a 36-month shelf life in Zone IVb tropical regions.

• Dossier Support: We provide full WHO-standard CTD/eCTD Dossiers to support your firm’s registration in international NGO and government health tenders (e.g., Global Fund/USAID).