Coartem 80/480mg (Double Strength) Antimalarial Tablets
Coartem 80/480mg is a high-strength, fixed-dose Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) manufactured by Novartis. It is the first-line treatment for acute, uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum in Nigeria.
This formulation is widely known as Coartem Double Strength (DS) because it contains four times the concentration of active ingredients found in standard 20/120mg tablets. This reduces the pill burden for adults, requiring only a 6-tablet course over three days instead of 24 tablets.
Key Benefits of Coartem 80/480mg
- Rapid Parasite Clearance: Effectively targets and kills malaria parasites to relieve fever, chills, and body aches quickly.
- Improved Adherence: The "Double Strength" formula ensures a simpler dosing schedule, making it easier to complete the full treatment.
- Novartis Quality: Produced by Novartis Pharma AG, a globally trusted leader in antimalarial research and WHO-prequalified.
- Convenient Pack: One blister contains the complete 3-day treatment for an adult.
Coartem 80/480 Dosage for Adults
To ensure complete recovery and prevent the return of malaria, the full 3-day course must be finished even if you feel better sooner.
- Day 1: Take 1 tablet immediately, followed by a second tablet exactly 8 hours later.
- Day 2: Take 1 tablet in the morning and 1 tablet in the evening (12 hours apart).
- Day 3: Take 1 tablet in the morning and 1 tablet in the evening (12 hours apart).
Crucial Advice: Always take Coartem with a meal or a milky drink. The Lumefantrine component requires dietary fat for proper absorption into your system.
Safety and Precautions
- Treatment vs. Prevention: Coartem is used to treat diagnosed malaria; it is not for prophylaxis (prevention).
- Side Effects: Some users may experience mild headache, dizziness, or loss of appetite.
- Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Use with caution during the first trimester. If you are pregnant, please consult a GoMed pharmacist or your doctor before starting treatment.
- Authenticity: Always check the NAFDAC authentication scratch code on the pack to ensure you have the original Novartis product.
If you experience severe malaria symptoms like persistent vomiting or confusion, seek urgent medical attention. For any questions regarding your treatment, feel free to contact a GoMed pharmacist.