Artesunate, Sulfadoxine and Pyrimethamine

Antimalarial · Artemisinin derivative/Diaminopyrimidine/Sulphonamide

Indications

Prevention and treatment of plasmodium falciparum malaria.

Dosage

Adults: Prophylaxis: 1 tab of 100 mg weekly. Treatment: 2-3 tab of 100 mg as a single dose for 3 days. Children: As a single dose. Treatment: 4-8 yr, 1 tab of 50 mg; 9-14 yr, 2 tab of 50 mg. See manufacturers literature.

Adverse Effects

Skin rash (discontinue immediately). Pharyngitis or pruritus occurs. Gl distress, skin rashes, blood dyscrasias. Rarely erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Lyell's syndrome.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Sulphonamide sensitivity. Severe liver or kidney dysfunction. Blood dyscrasias. Neonates. Precautions: Perform regular blood counts during long-term prophylaxis. Avoid excess sun.

Interactions

Folate inhibitors.

Pharmacokinetics

ARTESUNATE: Absorption: Rapid. Metabolism: Via hydrolysis converted to dihydroartemisinin (DHA). Half-life elimination: 0.1-1.8 hrs. DHA: 0.9-2.9 hrs. IM: Adults: 41 mins. Children: 48 mins. Time to peak, plasma: <1 hr. IM: 8-12 mins. IV: DHA: Adults: 0.5-15 mins. Rectal: 4-7 hrs. SULFADOXINE: Absorption: Readily absorbed from the GI tract. Half-life elimination: 200 hrs. Time to peak, plasma: 4 hrs. Excretion: Urine. PYRIMETHAMINE: Duration: 2 wks. Absorption: Almost completely absorbed from the GI tract. Metabolism: Hepatic. Half-life elimination: 4 days. Time to peak, plasma: 2-4 hrs. Excretion: Urine.

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.