A comparison of artemisinin combination treatment in the form of Coartem® (artemether-lumefantrine) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine for treatment of uncomplicated malaria in Jhapa District, Nepal

This study is comparing two treatments for uncomplicated malaria in eastern Nepal. The existing treatment is sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), but researchers want to know if it is still working well, and whether a combination therapy called artemether-lumefantrine (Coartem) might be a better option. Malaria treatment is important to keep effective as the parasite can develop resistance to medications over time. You may be eligible if: - You are 5 years of age or older - You have uncomplicated falciparum malaria or mixed falciparum/vivax malaria - Your parasite count is above 500 per microlitre of blood - You have not taken any antimalarial drug in the past 3 months - You have a fever (temperature above 37.5°C) - You have no known allergy to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine or chloroquine - You are able to attend follow-up visits You may NOT be eligible if: - There are no additional exclusion criteria listed beyond the above requirements Talk to your doctor about whether this trial might be right for you.