Coartem – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com
Wednesday, September 05, 2018 by Ralph Flores
http://www.naturalpedia.com/coartem-uses-health-risks-and-side-effects-at-naturalpedia-com.html
Coartem (generic name: artemether and lumefantrine) is a drug used to treat non-severe malaria. The two active ingredients in Coartem are used individually to prevent parasite growth in the red blood cells of the human body.
Coartem is not used to prevent malaria.
Known health risks or side effects of Coartem
A person taking medications for seizure or rifampin, and those who are taking St. John’s wort should inform a healthcare professional before undergoing treatment with Coartem.
People who have taken anti-malaria medication in the past month should also inform a healthcare professional before taking Coartem.
Common side effects after taking Coartem include:
- Headaches and dizziness
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, coughing, feeling weak or tired)
- Muscle stiffness and pain
- Vomiting and loss of appetite
A person experiencing the following side effects should seek immediate medical treatment:
- Severe allergic reactions
- Worsening of symptoms
- Severe vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite
- Irregular and rapid heartbeat
- Feeling light-headed and passing out
- Skin rash, no matter how mild
List of organs that might be affected by side effects of Coartem
Side effects of Coartem can affect the nervous, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, respiratory, immunologic, and genitourinary systems. It can also impact the bloodstream and skin, as well as metabolism. In particular, people who take Coartem also report psychiatric side effects such as sleep disorders and insomnia.
Food items, nutrients that may help with the side effects of Coartem
Fever is a common side effect after taking Coartem. There are natural food items available to reduce symptoms of a fever and ease discomfort during treatment.
- Water – Having a fever means that the body is losing water through perspiration and sweat to fight off disease; drinking water can replenish this and bring the body’s internal temperature down
- Juice – The vitamins and antioxidants found in fruit and vegetable juices can help boost the immune system while replenishing lost fluids
- Tea – Linden, willow bark, and black elder teas have fever-reducing properties, especially when these are served cold.
Treatments, management options for the side effects of Coartem
Insomnia, one of the side effects of Coartem, can lead to impaired function the next day. Some of the things a person can do to manage the condition include:
- Consider a new mattress or a pillow. If a mattress is too soft or too hard, this can hinder a good night’s sleep. In addition, getting a comfortable pillow can greatly help with sleep.
- Get a “white noise” generator. A noisy bedroom can benefit from a white noise generator to mask disruptive sounds.
- Relax. Insomnia caused by restlessness could be relieved by relaxing breaths, as well as simple stretches to enhance sleep.
- Getting rid of coffee and alcohol. Caffeine doesn’t just keep you up: It also increases instances of nighttime urination, which can disrupt sleep.
- Ban tech devices from your bedroom. Reducing your phone or tablet use at least an hour before use can greatly improve a person’s quality of sleep.
Where to learn more
Summary
Coartem is used to treat non-severe malaria.
Coartem may interact with drugs used for seizure or rifampin, St. John’s wort, and anti-malaria medication.
Coartem damages the nervous, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, respiratory, immunologic, and genitourinary systems.
Sources include:
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