QUESTION

What is the dosage for a toddler who is taking Lumartem tablet?

ANSWER

Lumartem, like many anti-malarial drugs, is dosed by weight. Therefore if your toddler weights 5-15kg, s/he should be give one tablet (containing 20mg of artemether and 120mg of lumefantrine) immediately after diagnosis of malaria, then another tablet 8 hours after the first one, then one tablet every 12 hours after that until the end of the 3rd day (a total of 6 tablets, taken over 6 doses).

For children weighing 15-25kg, the timing of the doses is the same, but each time, give two tablets. Try not to miss a dose, but if you do, give the child the missed dose as soon as you remember, then wait the prescribed time interval (12 hours, usually) before giving the next one. Do not give a double dose.