Arterolane + Piperaquine Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Arterolane + Piperaquine Tablet is a combination antimalarial medicine used to treat acute, uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. Arterolane rapidly kills malaria parasites in the blood, while Piperaquine prevents further parasite growth and multiplication. It is taken once daily for 3 days, with the dose depending on age, and helps reduce fever, clear symptoms, and prevent the infection from coming back.

What is Arterolane + Piperaquine Tablet

Arterolane + Piperaquine is a combination medicine used to treat malaria, a serious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites spread through mosquito bites. It treats acute and uncomplicated malaria. Arterolane rapidly kills malaria parasites in the blood, while Piperaquine prevents further parasite growth and multiplication.

Arterolane + Piperaquine Tablet uses

• Treatment of acute uncomplicated malaria
• Effective against Plasmodium falciparum infections
• Helps in rapid reduction of fever and malaria symptoms
• Prevents recurrence of malaria infection

Benefits of Arterolane + Piperaquine Tablet

• Rapid symptom relief from malaria
• Dual action for better treatment outcomes
• Prevents recurrence of infection
• Effective against drug-resistant malaria strains

How Arterolane + Piperaquine Tablet works

Arterolane kills malaria parasites quickly by producing reactive oxygen compounds that damage the parasite's vital proteins. Piperaquine works alongside this by blocking the parasite's ability to break down a toxic byproduct called heme, which builds up and helps kill the parasite. Together this stops the infection, clears the parasites from the blood, and helps prevent the malaria from coming back.

Arterolane + Piperaquine Tablet dosage

Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet whole with water, preferably after food to improve absorption and reduce stomach upset. Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet. Do not skip doses or stop early, even if you feel better, as this can lead to the malaria coming back. Make sure to finish the entire course of treatment.

If you vomit within 1 hour of taking a dose, you should take a replacement dose. This medicine can be taken with or without food, as advised by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, but skip it if it is almost time for your next dose; do not double up to make up for a missed dose.

Available forms and strengths

• Tablet

Side effects of Arterolane + Piperaquine Tablet

Common

• Headache
• Dizziness and fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting, and indigestion/dyspepsia
• Abdominal pain and loss of appetite
• Loss of appetite
• Allergic reactions (rare)

Serious

• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Irregular heartbeat
• Breathing trouble
• Skin rash
• Liver problems
• Severe tiredness

Warnings and precautions

• Piperaquine can affect heart rhythm by prolonging the QTc interval. Use this medicine with extreme caution, or avoid it, if you have pre-existing heart disease or are taking other medicines that also affect heart rhythm. 
• Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to arterolane, piperaquine, or any of the other ingredients in the tablet.
•  This medicine may interact with other medicines such as aspirin, tamoxifen, or certain antibiotics like ciprofloxacin. 
• Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking. Drinking grapefruit juice may raise the levels of this medicine in your body, which could increase the risk of side effects.
• This medicine is not generally recommended during pregnancy unless your doctor decides it is absolutely necessary, as it may harm the baby. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits before taking it.
• This medicine is not generally recommended while breastfeeding unless your doctor decides it is absolutely necessary. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits before taking it.
• People with kidney disease should use this medicine with caution because of a higher risk of serious side effects. Your doctor should monitor your kidney function closely, and may adjust your dose or choose a different medicine if needed.
• People with liver disease should use this medicine with caution because of a higher risk of serious side effects. Your doctor should monitor your liver function closely, and may adjust your dose or choose a different medicine if needed.
• It is best to avoid alcohol while taking this medicine, as it may increase side effects such as dizziness and vomiting. Talk to your doctor before drinking alcohol.
• This medicine can affect your ability to drive safely. If you feel sleepy, dizzy, or have trouble focusing, do not drive or use machinery, and tell your doctor.

Storage

• Place in a cool, dry spot protected from sunlight
• Follow label instructions precisely to avoid mishaps
• Keep it inaccessible to children and pets
• Check the expiry date frequently
• Dispose of unused medicine in the trash, not down the drain

When to see a doctor

• If you take too much of this medicine, get emergency medical help or contact your doctor right away. Tell your doctor right away if you notice an irregular heartbeat, breathing trouble, skin rash, or severe tiredness, as these can be signs of a serious problem.

Alternatives

• Artesunate + Amodiaquine
• Dihydroartemisinin + Piperaquine
• Artemether + Lumefantrine