Artemether is an antimalarial agent used in combination with lumefantrine for the treatment of acute uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. This combination therapy exerts its effects against the erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium spp. and may be used to treat infections caused by P. falciparum and unidentified Plasmodium species, including infections acquired in chloroquine-resistant areas.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
Involves an interaction with ferriprotoporphyrin IX (“heme”), or ferrous ions, in the acidic parasite food vacuole, which results in the generation of cytotoxic radical species.
The generally accepted mechanism of action of peroxide antimalarials involves interaction of the peroxide-containing drug with heme, a hemoglobin degradation byproduct, derived from proteolysis of hemoglobin. This interaction is believed to result in the formation of a range of potentially toxic oxygen and carbon-centered radicals.
- Primary indication
- Artemether and lumefantrine combination therapy is indicated for the treatment of acute uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, including malaria acquired in chloroquine-resistant areas.Curator reviewed · 2 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C16H26O5 · 298.3746 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- United States, 2009
- Also known as
- Artemisininelactol methyl ether · Dihydroartemisinin methyl ether · Dihydroqinghaosu methyl ether · methyl-dihydroartemisinine
- Code names
- SM-224
- Brand names
Resolves to
SXYIRMFQILZOAM-HVNFFKDJSA-NSMILES[H][C@@]12CC[C@@H](C)[C@]3([H])CC[C@@]4(C)OO[C@@]13[C@]([H])(O[C@H](OC)[C@@H]2C)O4What you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Artemether, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
Create a free account or log in to explore the full data card.
Create Account