Qmetem

Qmetem Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

Artemether is a potent and rapidly acting blood schizontocide, which is highly efficacious in treating chloroquine-resistant falciparum malaria, and complicated falciparum malaria including cerebral malaria. Its quick onset of effect and high efficacy in bringing down the parasite load are the properties which make this drug a suitable therapeutic option against falciparum infection.

In the body, artemether is metabolized into the active metabolite metabolite dihydroartemisinin. The drug works against the erythrocytic stages of P. falciparum by inhibiting nucleic acid and protein synthesis. Artemether is administered in combination with lumefantrine for improved efficacy. Artemether has a rapid onset of action and is rapidly cleared from the body. It is thought that artemether provides rapid symptomatic relief by reducing the number of malarial parasites. Lumefantrine has a much longer half life and is believed to clear residual parasites.

Trade Name Qmetem
Generic Artemether + Lumefantrine +Lumefantrine
Weight 20mg, 120mg, 480mg, 40mg, 240mg
Type Tablet
Therapeutic Class
Manufacturer Bosch Pharmaceuticals (pvt) Ltd,
Available Country Pakistan
Last Updated: September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am
Qmetem
Qmetem

Uses

Artemether is used for Malaria, Schistosomiasis.

Qmetem is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Plasmodium Infections, Acute, uncomplicated Malaria caused by plasmodium falciparum

How Qmetem works

Involves an interaction with ferriprotoporphyrin IX (“heme”), or ferrous ions, in the acidic parasite food vacuole, which results in the generation of cytotoxic radical species.

The generally accepted mechanism of action of peroxide antimalarials involves interaction of the peroxide-containing drug with heme, a hemoglobin degradation byproduct, derived from proteolysis of hemoglobin. This interaction is believed to result in the formation of a range of potentially toxic oxygen and carbon-centered radicals.

Dosage

Qmetem dosage

Adult: 80 mg twice daily for 1 day followed by 80 mg once daily for 4 days. Maximum dose: 480 mg for 5 days.

Children: 3.2 mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses followed by 1.6 mg/kg/day once daily for 4 days. Maximum dose: 9.6 mg/kg for 5 days.

Side Effects

Mild Gl disturbance, dizziness, tinnitus, reduction in reticulocyte and leucocyte counts, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bradycardia, first degree heart block, transient increase in serum transaminases.

Toxicity

Animal studies on acute toxicity show that the LD50 of Artemether in mice is a single i.g. administration of 895mg/kg and a single i.m. injection of 296mg/kg dose; in rats, the LD50 is a single i.m. injection of 597mg/kg dose.

Precaution

Avoid concomitant use of drugs known to prolong QT interval or monitor such patients.

Interaction

Artemether causes QT prolongation in some patients. Thus concomitant use of erythromycin, terfenadine, procainamide, quinidine, disopyramide, amiodarone, bretylium, bepridil, sotalol, astemizole, probucol, tricyclic antidepressants, phenothiazines may be avoided.

Elimination Route

Food increases absorption.

Half Life

Artemether, 1.6 +/- 0.7 and 2.2 +/- 1.9 hr; Dihydroartemisinin, 1.6 +/- 0.6 and 2.2 +/- 1.5 hr

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Pregnancy Category-C. Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks

Contraindication

Contraindicated in patients with hpersensitivity to Artemether.

Innovators Monograph

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*** Taking medicines without doctor's advice can cause long-term problems.
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