Arceva Tablet Uses

Arceva tablet is primarily used for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, which is the most severe and prevalent form of malaria. Following are some common uses of Arceva Tablet:

1. Treatment of Malaria: Arceva tablet is highly effective in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria, including chloroquine-resistant strains. It is particularly useful in regions where Plasmodium falciparum is prevalent and resistance to other antimalarial drugs is a concern.
2. First-Line Therapy: Arceva tablet is commonly used as a first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria in many countries. It is often used as part of a combination therapy approach to reduce the likelihood of drug resistance and improve treatment outcomes.
3. Pediatric Malaria: Arceva tablet is also approved for use in children and infants, making it a valuable treatment option for pediatric malaria cases.
4. Prevention of Malaria: While Arceva tablet is primarily used for the treatment of malaria, in some cases, it may also be prescribed as a preventive measure for individuals traveling to malaria-endemic regions.

Off-label Uses of Arceva Tablet

1. Malaria in Pregnancy: While not typically the first choice for pregnant women with malaria, there have been situations where Arceva tablet has been used when other options were not available or were deemed unsafe.
2. Treatment of schistosomiasis: Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by trematode worms. Arceva tablets may have some efficacy against schistosomiasis.
3. Treatment of leishmaniasis: Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by protozoan parasites. Arceva tablets may have some activity against leishmaniasis.
4. Treatment of babesiosis: Babesiosis is a parasitic disease caused by Babesia protozoa. Arceva tablets may be effective in treating babesiosis.

It is important to note that the safety and efficacy of Arceva for off-label indications have not been thoroughly evaluated.

Arceva is one of the leading brands of Artemether-Lumefantrine, manufactured and marketed by Sami Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

The following are some alternative brands of Arceva and their manufacturers.

1. Artem DS Plus : Hilton Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
2. Artheget EZ : Getz Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
3. Gen-M : Genix Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
4. A-Fantrine BD : Atco Laboratories Ltd, Pakistan.
5. Qmetem DS : Bosch Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
6. Temprin : Shaigan Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
7. Arlufa : Zafa Pharmaceutical Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
8. Morvi Forte : Epoch Pharmaceutical, Pakistan.
9. Artecxin Forte : Highnoon Laboratories Ltd, Pakistan.
10. Antimal : Pharmevo Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd.

Presently, Arceva is available in Tablet and Suspension Forms with the following strengths.

Arceva Tablets 20/120: Artemether 20mg + Lumefantrine 120mg strengths.

Arceva Tablets 40/240: Artemether 40mg + Lumefantrine 240mg strengths.

Arceva Tablets 80/480: Artemether 80mg + Lumefantrine 480mg strengths.

Arceva Dry Suspension: Artemether 15mg/5ml + Lumefantrine 90mg/5ml strengths.

Arceva has several contraindications, which are specific situations or conditions where the use of Arceva is not recommended due to potential risks.

• Hypersensitivity: Individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to artemether, lumefantrine, or any other components of the medication should not take Arceva.
• Concurrent Use of Certain Medications: Arceva should not be taken with medications that are known to prolong the QT interval, as it can increase the risk of potentially life-threatening heart rhythm disturbances. Such medications include certain antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics, and antibiotics like macrolides and fluoroquinolones. It is important to inform your healthcare professional about all medications you are currently taking.
• History of Cardiac Arrhythmias: Individuals with a history of cardiac arrhythmias, including prolonged QT interval or torsades de pointes, should avoid using Arceva due to the potential for worsening of these conditions.
• Liver Impairment: Severe liver impairment or active liver disease is a contraindication for Arceva, as the medication is primarily metabolized in the liver. It is important to monitor liver function during treatment.
• Pregnancy: Arceva is generally not recommended during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester. However, its use may be considered in certain situations when the potential benefits outweigh the risks. The decision should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional.
• Breastfeeding: Arceva should be used with caution while breastfeeding, as lumefantrine is excreted in breast milk. The potential benefits and risks should be assessed in consultation with a healthcare professional.

Arceva Dose for Adults and Children (35 kg or more):

• One Tablet of Arceva 80/480 mg as a single initial dose.
• This is followed after 8 hours.
• Then, repeat twice a day (morning and evening) on days 2 and 3, for a total treatment duration of 3 days.

Arceva Dose for Children (less than 35 kg)

• The dosage is based on body weight. The recommended dose is:
• One Tablet of 20/120 mg per dose for body weight 5-14 kg.
• Two Tablets of 20/120 mg per dose for body weight 15-24 kg.
• Three Tablets of 20/120 mg per dose for body weight 25-34 kg.

Arceva contains two active ingredients and each component has its own mode of action, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the medication.

1. Artemether: It belongs to a class of drugs called artemisinins, which are derived from the herb Artemisia annua. Artemether has a rapid and potent antimalarial effect against the blood stage of Plasmodium parasites, including Plasmodium falciparum, the most common and dangerous malaria parasite. It works by inhibiting the parasites’ ability to metabolize hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells. This disruption in hemoglobin metabolism leads to the accumulation of toxic heme molecules, resulting in oxidative stress and damage to the parasite’s cell membranes. Additionally, artemether can interfere with the parasite’s calcium-dependent ATPase enzymes, further compromising the parasite’s survival.
2. Lumefantrine: It is a synthetic antimalarial drug that belongs to the class of compounds known as aryl amino alcohols. It acts by inhibiting the growth and replication of Plasmodium parasites. Lumefantrine interferes with the functioning of plasmodial proteins involved in transporting ions across the parasite’s cell membranes, particularly the Na+/H+ exchanger. By disrupting ion balance and membrane potential, lumefantrine affects essential cellular processes, leading to the death of the parasite. Lumefantrine has a slower onset of action compared to artemether but has a longer half-life, allowing for the sustained elimination of the parasite.