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Artemether-lumefantrine: an oral antimalarial for uncomplicated malaria in children

George O Adjei1, Bamenla Q Goka, Fred Binka

  • 1Center for Tropical Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, PO Box 4236, Accra, Ghana. goadjei@chs.edu.gh

Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy
|August 18, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Artemether-lumefantrine (AL) is a widely used malaria treatment effective in children and adults. Its safety and efficacy support its role in global malaria control efforts.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Tropical Medicine
  • Global Health

Background:

  • Artemether-lumefantrine (AL) is a leading artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) for malaria.
  • It is manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) conditions.
  • AL is the most frequently used ACT in malaria control programs worldwide.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the efficacy and safety of AL for treating uncomplicated malaria.
  • To emphasize AL's use in pediatric malaria cases.
  • To discuss factors relevant to malaria control policy decisions.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of available evidence.
  • Focus on studies concerning uncomplicated malaria treatment.
  • Consideration of pediatric populations and adverse event profiles.

Main Results:

  • AL is efficacious in treating uncomplicated malaria in children.
  • The adverse event profile of AL is comparable to other ACTs.
  • AL is approved for adults, children, infants, and non-immune travelers.

Conclusions:

  • Artemether-lumefantrine is a safe and effective treatment for uncomplicated malaria, particularly in children.
  • Its established efficacy and safety profile support its continued use in malaria control.
  • Evidence supports AL's role in policy decisions for malaria treatment strategies.

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