by Malaria Q&A
QUESTION
I am on lumartem treatment, and was told to take four[4] tablets at a time twice a day; but I see on leaflet two[2] tablet twice a day…..will it cause me any harm?
ANSWER
The dosage for Lumartem is by weight. For people weighing over 35 kg (77 pounds) the dosage is 4 tablets twice a day as you were prescribed.
by Malaria Q&A
QUESTION
I am a breast-feeding mother, and I am on the lumartem dosage. Will this affect my baby? He is 9 months old.
ANSWER
The US Center for Disease Control says that it is safe for a breastfeeding mother to take lumfartem if the baby is over 5 kilos (or 11 pounds). Since your baby is 9 months old, he should weigh more than 5 kg so you should be fine. If you have any questions you should talk to the health care provider who gave you the medication. Make sure you and the baby sleep under a long acting insecticide treated net to prevent further episodes of malaria.
by Malaria Q&A
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.
by Malaria Q&A
QUESTION
I am on the lumartem treatment. I started at 8am to 4 pm. then 4am. i forgot to take the drugs at 4pm, but took it at 8;30o. Should I start all over or continue at 4am or 8 am?
ANSWER
If you miss a tablet, you should take the next one as soon as you remember, then wait the required interval before taking the pill after that. So, since you took the missed pill at 8.30, you should take the following one at 8.30am (12 hours later). Then continue as you would normally until all 6 doses have been taken – it is very important to complete the full course of tablets.