Artemether

Antimalarial
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Artemether is a antimalarial found in 1 medicine sold in India, such as Lumerax 80. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Rapidly kills malaria parasites; combined with lumefantrine.

How it works

A fast-acting artemisinin antimalarial, combined with lumefantrine (for example Coartem), for uncomplicated malaria.

How to take it

Six doses over 3 days (at 0, 8, 24, 36, 48 and 60 hours) with fatty food or milk. Repeat the dose if vomited within an hour.

Common side effects

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weakness

Get medical help straight away if

Fever returns, confusion, fits or very dark urine (see a doctor urgently)

Be careful

Take with food (ideally fatty) for the full 3-day course.

Other medicines and interactions

Heart rhythm risk with other QT-prolonging medicines; rifampicin and some anti-epileptics reduce effect. Grapefruit raises levels.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

WHO now allows it in all trimesters of pregnancy for malaria; acceptable while breastfeeding.

Combination medicines that contain Artemether (1)

Lumerax 80

Common questions

What is Artemether used for?

Rapidly kills malaria parasites; combined with lumefantrine.

How does Artemether work?

A fast-acting artemisinin antimalarial, combined with lumefantrine (for example Coartem), for uncomplicated malaria.

How should I take Artemether?

Six doses over 3 days (at 0, 8, 24, 36, 48 and 60 hours) with fatty food or milk. Repeat the dose if vomited within an hour.

What are the side effects of Artemether?

Common: Headache, dizziness, loss of appetite, weakness. Get help straight away for: Fever returns, confusion, fits or very dark urine (see a doctor urgently).

Does Artemether interact with other medicines?

Heart rhythm risk with other QT-prolonging medicines; rifampicin and some anti-epileptics reduce effect. Grapefruit raises levels.

Is Artemether safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

WHO now allows it in all trimesters of pregnancy for malaria; acceptable while breastfeeding.

Does Artemether need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Artemether?

Lumerax 80.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.