Artemether is used to treat malaria.
Take Artemether exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take Artemether at regular intervals as directed. Do not skip any doses. Continue to take it even when you feel better. You must complete the entire course unless otherwise directed. If you do not complete the course, the infection may not clear completely.
Take Artemether together with food or immediately after a meal.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Alert your doctor if you have heart, liver or kidney disease.
Alert your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with Artemether.
In addition to taking Artemether, you must also take preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites. This will help prevent you from being re-infected with malaria. Use an effective insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to reduce exposure. Avoid going out between dusk to dawn. Effective insect repellents should contain at least 20-33% diethyltoluamide (DEET).
The symptoms of malaria are fever, chills, headache, muscle pain and a flu-like illness. Consult a doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms again, and anytime within 1 year after leaving the area, especially within 3 months of your return from an area known to have malaria.
Side effects with Artemether are generally not common but may include stomach discomfort, nausea, ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and unusually slow heartbeat. Alert your doctor if these side effects are severe or if they do not go away.
Artemether may cause dizziness. If you feel dizzy, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Alert your doctor quickly if you develop any signs of allergy such as breathlessness, severe rash or swollen eyes.
Alert your doctor immediately if you are taking any of these medicines:
- heart medicines such as quinidine, disopyramide, procainamide
- antihistamines such as terfenadine, astemizole
- other medicines such as probucol, erythromycin
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol and grapefruit juice.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.