Sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine
Sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine, sold under the brand name Fansidar, is a combination medication used to treat malaria. It contains sulfadoxine (a sulfonamide) and pyrimethamine (an antiprotozoal). For the treatment of malaria it is typically used along with other antimalarial medication such as artesunate. In areas of Africa with moderate to high rates of malaria, three doses are recommended during the second and third trimester of pregnancy.
| Combination of | |
|---|---|
| Sulfadoxine | Sulfonamide |
| Pyrimethamine | Antiparasitic |
| Clinical data | |
| Pronunciation | peer-i-METH-a-meen/sul-fa-DOX-een |
| Trade names | Fansidar, Fanlar, others |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | Consumer Drug Information |
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| Routes of administration | By mouth |
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Side effects include diarrhea, rash, itchiness, headache, and hair loss. Rarely a severe allergic reaction or rash such as toxic epidermal necrolysis, may occur. It is not generally recommended in people with a sulfonamide allergy or significant liver or kidney disease. It works by blocking malaria's ability to use folinic acid.
Sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine was initially approved for medical use in the United States in 1981. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. It is not commercially available in the United States.