Millions of people use malaria medicines without knowledge of the
basics of malaria treatment.
Commonly used malaria medicines based on WHO recommendation
are artemisines and their combinations. Examples in Nigerian market
include: Artesunate, Coartem, Lonart, Co-arinate, Camosunate etc
Here are things you must know before using these medicines.
1. Using the combinations like Coartem, Co-arinate etc for malaria
treatment is better than using artesunate alone. This is the WHO
guideline and recommendation to prevent resistance and relapse.
2. They should always be taken with food. Fat-containing food (like
milk or butter) enhances the absorption of these combinations.
3. Cod liver oil, cottage cheese, or fish oil may also be administered at
the same time to enhance absorption.
4.They should not be taken within 30 days of radiation therapy
because of possible free iron leaks to the surrounding tissues after
radiation therapy.
5. Iron containing supplements can cause an interaction with these
products and should be avoided while taking them.
6. Concurrent use of Vitamin C should be avoided, as it can cause
these medications to become less able to be absorbed into your
system.
7. They should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women
unless the malaria is severe and life-threatening.
8. They should not be taken in the first trimester of pregnancy at all.