Coartem 20/120 Dispersible 6 Tablets
Coartem 20/120 Dispersible is a specialized antimalarial medication formulated for infants and young children. Produced by Novartis, this artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is the gold standard for treating acute, uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum.
The dispersible form is specifically designed to make administration easier for parents and caregivers. These tablets dissolve quickly in water to create a sweet-tasting suspension, ensuring that children who cannot swallow pills still get the full dose of medicine they need.
Key Benefits for Children
- Effective Malaria Treatment: Combines Artemether and Lumefantrine to quickly clear parasites and prevent the infection from returning.
- Easy to Administer: No more struggling with bitter pills. The tablets are strawberry-flavored and dissolve in seconds.
- Child-Specific Strength: Formulated with the precise 20/120mg ratio suitable for children in the 5kg to 15kg weight range.
Dosage for Children (5kg to <15kg)
For children weighing between 5kg and less than 15kg, the recommended course is 6 tablets taken over 3 days. It is critical to complete the full 6-dose regimen even if the child starts to feel better.
- Dose 1: 1 tablet immediately.
- Dose 2: 1 tablet 8 hours later.
- Dose 3-6: 1 tablet twice daily (morning and evening) for the next two days.
Important: Always give Coartem with a fatty meal or milk. This helps the body absorb the medicine properly so it can fight the malaria effectively.
How to Disperse Coartem Tablet
- Place the required tablet(s) in a small cup or spoon.
- Add about 1 or 2 teaspoons (approx. 10ml) of clean drinking water.
- Wait about 30 seconds for the tablet to dissolve completely.
- Give the entire mixture to the child immediately.
- Follow up with a small amount of water, milk, or food to ensure the child has swallowed everything.
Side Effects & Precautions
While generally well-tolerated, some children may experience mild side effects like loss of appetite, cough, or dizziness. If your child vomits within 1 hour of taking the dose, you must repeat the dose and contact a healthcare professional.
For any concerns regarding your child's health or malaria treatment, feel free to contact a GoMed pharmacist for professional guidance.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C. Keep out of the reach of children.