Lokmal Dispersible is a child-friendly, fixed-dose Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) specifically formulated for infants and young children. It contains two synergistic active antimalarial agents: artemether and lumefantrine.
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Artemether: A fast-acting endoperoxide derivative of artemisinin. Upon interaction with intra-parasitic iron, it generates reactive oxygen species (free radicals) that rapidly damage parasitic proteins and cell membranes, achieving swift reduction of parasitemia and fever relief within hours.
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Lumefantrine: A long-acting lipophilic aryl-amino alcohol derivative. It acts by inhibiting the conversion of toxic free heme into inert hemozoin inside the parasite’s food vacuole. The resulting accumulation of toxic heme clears remaining residual parasites and prevents disease recrudescence.
The dispersible formulation dissolves rapidly in a small amount of water or milk, creating a palatable liquid suspension that ensures accurate dosing and easy administration without requiring young children to swallow whole tablets.
Primary Medical Indications
Lokmal Dispersible is indicated for infants and young children (weighing between 5 kg and 35 kg) for the treatment of acute parasitic infections:
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Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum Malaria: First-line curative treatment for acute, uncomplicated malaria caused by P. falciparum or mixed species infections containing P. falciparum.
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Multi-Drug Resistant Malaria: Effective against P. falciparum strains exhibiting resistance to older antimalarial monotherapies such as chloroquine or sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine.
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Treatment of Non-falciparum Blood-Stage Parasites: Effective against erythrocytic schizonts of Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium malariae.
Key Product Specifications & Dosing Forms
| Feature | Specification |
| Active Ingredients | Artemether (20 mg) + Lumefantrine (120 mg) per dispersible tablet |
| Pharmacological Class | Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) Antimalarial |
| Available Formulations | Dispersible oral tablets (sweetened/flavored for pediatric acceptability) |
| Common Strengths | 20 mg / 120 mg dispersible tablets |
| Standard Regimen |
6-dose regimen over 3 days (68 hours total) based on child’s body weight: • 5 kg to <15 kg: 1 dispersible tablet per dose • 15 kg to <25 kg: 2 dispersible tablets per dose • 25 kg to <35 kg: 3 dispersible tablets per dose |
| Administration | Place tablet in a spoon or small cup with a small quantity of water or milk. Allow to disperse completely, then administer immediately. Must be given with fatty food or milk to ensure proper absorption |
Critical Safety Guidelines & Precautions
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Must Be Taken with High-Fat Food or Milk: Lumefantrine absorption increases up to 16-fold in the presence of dietary lipids. Always give the dose alongside breast milk, full-cream milk, or a meal containing oil/fat. Taking it on an empty stomach risks sub-therapeutic levels and treatment failure.
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Re-Dosing Protocol for Vomiting: Children with malaria often experience vomiting. If the child vomits within 30 to 60 minutes of taking a dose, administer a full replacement dose immediately. If persistent vomiting prevents oral retention, transition the child to parenteral therapy (e.g., IV or IM artesunate) immediately.
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Not for Severe/Complicated Malaria: Contraindicated for severe malaria (e.g., cerebral malaria, inability to swallow/drink, repeated convulsions, severe anemia). Severe cases require emergency hospital admission and intravenous antimalarials.
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QTc Prolongation: Lumefantrine can prolong the QTc interval. Avoid concurrent administration with other medications known to affect the cardiac rhythm.
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Prophylaxis Restriction: Lokmal Dispersible is purely a curative treatment and must never be used for malaria prophylaxis.
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