Pyrimethamine + Sulphadoxine

Uses

Pyrimethamine and Sulphadoxine are used in the treatment of malaria.

How it Works

How Pyrimethamine and Sulphadoxine work Pyrimethamine and Sulphadoxine is a combination of two medicines that treat malaria. Pyrimethamine is an antiparasitic medicine that works by increasing the levels of heme in the blood, a substance toxic to the malarial parasite. This action kills the parasite and prevents the infection from spreading. Sulphadoxine is an antibiotic that inhibits the bacteria from producing folic acid, a nutrient essential for bacterial multiplication.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Pyrimethamine and Sulphadoxine include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, a feeling of fullness, dizziness, headache, mouth sores, and skin rash.

Expert Advice

Pyrimethamine + Sulphadoxine must be taken with food at the same time every day.
Do not skip any doses and complete the full course of treatment, even if you feel better.
Stopping the medication early may cause the infection to return and become harder to treat.
It is advisable to drink plenty of fluids and maintain a healthy diet while taking the medicine.
This medication may cause dizziness; do not drive or engage in activities that require mental focus until you know how it affects you.
Avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medication, as it may increase side effects.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Other Combinations

Pyrimethamine + Sulfamethoxazole

Artesunate + Pyrimethamine + Sulphadoxine

Frequently asked questions

Can I discontinue Pyrimethamine+Sulphadoxine once I feel better?

No, you should complete the full course of Pyrimethamine+Sulphadoxine even if you feel better, as symptoms may improve before the infection is fully resolved.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Pyrimethamine+Sulphadoxine?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but skip it if it's nearly time for your next dose. Do not take an extra dose to compensate for the missed one.

What should I do if I don't improve after using Pyrimethamine+Sulphadoxine?

Inform your doctor if you do not feel better after completing the full course of treatment or if your symptoms worsen while using this medication.

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