Pyrimethamine + Sulfadoxine

Dosage Forms Available

• Pyrimethamine + Sulfadoxine is available for oral administration in the form of tablets.

Age and Dose Restrictions

• This medication is appropriate for use in adults and children over 2 months of age, with doses adjusted according to the body weight of paediatric patients.

Contraindications

• Use of Pyrimethamine + Sulfadoxine is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity to either pyrimethamine or sulfadoxine or any other component present in the formulation.
• Patients with megaloblastic anaemia due to folate deficiency should not take this medicine.
• Its use is not advised in cases of severe liver or kidney impairment.
• It should not be given to infants aged less than 2 months.

Other Medications to Avoid

• Pyrimethamine + Sulfadoxine may interact with folate antagonists (such as methotrexate and trimethoprim), sulfonylureas (like glipizide and glibenclamide), hydantoins (such as phenytoin), and medications containing gold salts or phenylbutazone.

Overdose and Missed Dose

• Overdosing on Pyrimethamine + Sulfadoxine may cause serious extremities of side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea, and anaemia. Immediate medical attention should be sought if an overdose is suspected.
• If a dose of this medicine is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

• Drinking plenty of fluids can help manage gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea and diarrhoea.
• Skin rash or itching can be managed by avoiding direct sunlight and wearing protective clothing when outdoors.
• Taking the medication with a meal or snack can help reduce stomach upset.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• As Pyrimethamine + Sulfadoxine may cause dizziness and fatigue, caution is advised while driving or operating heavy machinery after taking this medication.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• It is advised to avoid the use of Pyrimethamine + Sulfadoxine during the first trimester of pregnancy.
• In the later stages of pregnancy and during breastfeeding, its use should only be considered if the potential benefits outweigh the risks after consultation with a doctor.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency should use Pyrimethamine + Sulfadoxine with caution due to the risk of haemolytic anaemia.
• It should be used cautiously in patients with pre-existing liver or kidney problems.
• Adequate hydration should be maintained while on this medication to prevent crystallisation in urine.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Consume a balanced diet rich in folate to compensate for potential folate deficiency caused by the medication.
• Maintain a proper sleep schedule to manage potential fatigue or drowsiness caused by this medicine.
• Stay well-hydrated to reduce the risk of crystalluria.
• Take proper precautionary measures to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of malaria infection. These include using insect repellent, sleeping under mosquito nets, and wearing long-sleeved clothes.