Therapeutic efficacy of artemether‐lumefantrine and artesunate‐mefloquine for treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Luang Namtha Province, Lao People's Democratic Republic

SummaryThe efficacy of the six‐dose regimen of artemether‐lumefantrine was compared with the combination of artesunate and mefloquine in a randomised, comparative trial in Luang Namtha Province, Northern Laos. Of 1033 screened patients, 201 were positive for Plasmodium falciparum; 108 patients of all age groups (2–66 years) with acute, uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria were enrolled in the study, 100 of whom were followed‐up for 42 days. Fifty‐three patients received artemether‐lumefantrine and 55 received artesunante‐mefloquine. Both drug combinations induced rapid clearance of parasites and malaria symptoms; there was no significant difference in the initial therapeutic response parameters. Both regimes were well tolerated. After 42 days, cure rates were 93.6% (95% CI = 82.5–98.7%; 44 of 47 patients) for artemether‐lumefantrine and 100% (95% CI = 93.3–100.0%; 53 of 53 patients) for artesunate‐mefloquine. The results show the excellent efficacy and tolerability of both artemether‐lumefantrine and artesunate‐mefloquine in Northern Laos.