Correct usage of malaria medication is just as important as getting the right diagnosis. Even the best treatment, including trusted artemether/lumefantrine combinations like AGATEM, can fail if taken incorrectly.
Unfortunately, many patients make simple mistakes that delay recovery, cause recurrence, or reduce the medicine’s effectiveness.
Inside this article, we provide a clear, expert-reviewed guide for patients, pharmacists, and healthcare workers on the proper way to take artemether/lumefantrine (AL), ensuring fast relief and full parasite clearance.
1. Confirm Malaria Before Starting Treatment
Before taking any antimalarial, it’s important to confirm the diagnosis through:
- A rapid diagnostic test (RDT), or
- Microscopy at a clinic or hospital
Self-diagnosing based on fever alone can lead to misuse of medicines. Pharmacists and healthcare workers should always encourage testing whenever possible.
2. Start Treatment Immediately After Confirmation
Once malaria is confirmed and there are no signs of severe malaria, AL-based medicine like AGATEM is recommended as a first-line treatment.
Prompt treatment helps:
- Bring down fever quickly
- Prevent complications
- Reduce the risk of severe malaria
3. Always Take Artemether/Lumefantrine WITH FOOD
This is non-negotiable.
AL works properly only when taken with food – especially foods containing oil or fat – because lumefantrine needs fat for proper absorption.
Food Options That Work Well
- Milk
- Pap with milk
- Bread and tea
- Biscuits
- Baby formula
- Small meal or snack
Taking AL on an empty stomach may:
- Delay recovery
- Reduce drug absorption by up to 90%
- Lead to treatment failure
Pharmacists should emphasize this point strongly when dispensing AGATEM.
4. Understand the Correct Dosing Schedule
Artemether/lumefantrine must be taken as six doses over three days:
- Day 1: First dose immediately, second dose after 8 hours
- Day 2: Two doses, 12 hours apart
- Day 3: Two doses, 12 hours apart
AGATEM packaging provides clear instructions based on WHO standards, making it easy for patients to follow.
Why Completing All Doses Matters
Even if symptoms disappear after the first few doses, parasites may still remain in the bloodstream. Stopping early can lead to:
- Relapse
- Severe complications
- Drug resistance
Patients must complete all six doses.
5. What to Do If You Vomit After Taking a Dose
If the patient vomits within 30 minutes:
- The dose may need to be repeated
- Seek guidance from a pharmacist or healthcare worker
If vomiting continues, the patient may need to visit a hospital for further evaluation.
6. Warning Signs That Mean You Should Go to a Hospital
Even after starting treatment, some symptoms indicate severe malaria or complications.
Patients should seek medical care immediately if they experience:
- Difficulty breathing
- Convulsions
- Persistent vomiting
- Severe weakness
- Inability to drink or eat
- Very little or no urine
- Yellow eyes or dark urine
- Confusion or drowsiness
Artemether/lumefantrine is not for severe malaria. Such cases require a Doctor’s examination and expertise.
7. What to Expect During Recovery
With proper use:
- Fever usually improves within 24 – 48 hours
- Appetite gradually returns
- Full recovery occurs after completing the 3-day course
However, a slight weakness may persist for a few days, this is normal.
If fever continues beyond 3 days, return to the hospital for reassessment.
8. The Role of Pharmacists and Healthcare Providers
Pharmacists and clinicians should always:
- Confirm the patient’s weight (especially children)
- Provide clear dosing instructions
- Explain the importance of taking AGATEM with food
- Review red-flag symptoms
- Encourage follow-up if symptoms persist
Proper patient counselling drastically improves outcomes.
9. Why AGATEM Is a Dependable Choice for Nigerians
AGATEM offers:
- WHO-aligned dosing
- High-quality artemether/lumefantrine formulation
- NAFDAC approval
- Clear patient instructions
- Tamper-evident packaging to prevent counterfeit use
Its reliability and ease of use make it ideal for homes, pharmacies, and community healthcare settings.
Conclusion:
Proper treatment is the key to fast and safe recovery from malaria. By following the correct dosing schedule, taking AGATEM with food, completing all six doses, and watching for warning signs, patients can achieve full recovery and avoid complications.
Pharmacists and healthcare workers play a vital role in guiding patients. When used correctly, artemether/lumefantrine remains one of the most powerful tools we have against malaria.