Lumefantrine
An antimalarial drug used in combination therapies
| Lumefantrine | |
|---|---|
| |
| INN | |
| Drug class | |
| Routes of administration | |
| Pregnancy category | |
| Bioavailability | |
| Metabolism | |
| Elimination half-life | |
| Excretion | |
| Legal status | |
| CAS Number | |
| PubChem | |
| DrugBank | |
| ChemSpider | |
| KEGG | |
Lumefantrine is an antimalarial drug used in combination with artemether to treat malaria. It is part of the artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) recommended by the World Health Organization for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
Pharmacology
Lumefantrine is a lipophilic compound that is poorly soluble in water. It is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and is metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P450 system, primarily by the enzyme CYP3A4. The drug has a long half-life, which helps in maintaining therapeutic levels in the blood for an extended period, thus aiding in the prevention of malaria recurrence.
Mechanism of Action
Lumefantrine works by interfering with the haem polymerization process in the Plasmodium parasites. This process is crucial for the parasite's survival as it detoxifies the free haem released during the digestion of hemoglobin. By inhibiting this process, lumefantrine causes the accumulation of toxic haem, leading to the death of the parasite.
Clinical Use
Lumefantrine is used in combination with artemether, marketed under the brand name Coartem. This combination is effective against chloroquine-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum. The combination therapy is administered orally and is typically given over a three-day course.
Side Effects
Common side effects of lumefantrine include headache, dizziness, anorexia, and nausea. Serious side effects are rare but may include allergic reactions and QT interval prolongation, which can lead to arrhythmias.
History
Lumefantrine was developed in the 1980s and was initially used in China. It gained international recognition after being included in the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. The combination with artemether was developed to enhance efficacy and reduce the risk of resistance.
Related pages
Lumefantrine
Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP-1 injections from $125.
W8MD offers a medical weight loss program to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our physician-supervised medical weight loss provides:
- Most insurances accepted or discounted self-pay rates. We will obtain insurance prior authorizations if needed.
- Generic GLP1 weight loss injections from $125 for the starting dose.
- Also offer prescription weight loss medications including Phentermine, Qsymia, Diethylpropion, Contrave etc.
NYC weight loss doctor appointments
Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss and Philadelphia medical weight loss clinics.
- Call 718-946-5500 to lose weight in NYC or for medical weight loss in Philadelphia 215-676-2334.
- Tags:NYC medical weight loss, Philadelphia lose weight Zepbound NYC, Budget GLP1 weight loss injections, Wegovy Philadelphia, Wegovy NYC, Philadelphia medical weight loss, Brookly weight loss and Wegovy NYC
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
