QUESTION

I had recently encountered with malaria and started artemether and lumefantrine . Out of 6 tab of 80mg 4  I had taken 2 missed. Please suggest.

ANSWER

When a dose of ACT is missed, do not take an extra dose to compensate. Instead, take the next dose as soon as you remember, and continue until you have taken all of the tablets. Keep a close watch on any symptoms of illness that might suggest recrudescence (which occurs when all the parasites in the blood have not been killed, and so can begin to multiply again after treatment finishes).

If you suspect recrudescence, go back to your doctor for another diagnosis, and another dose of ACT. Please comply to the treatment and do not miss doses! This can lead to resistance against the drugs developing in the malaria parasites.