Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine
About
Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine belongs to a group of anti-malarial drugs used to treat uncomplicated falciparum malaria. Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by the female anopheles mosquito. Malaria is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, which carry the Plasmodium parasite. The symptoms usually develop within 10days to 4weeks after the infection.
Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine is a combination of three drugs, namely: Artesunate, Pyrimethamine, and Sulfadoxine. Artesunate generates free radicals, thereby inhibits nucleic acid and protein synthesis of the Plasmodium parasites during erythrocytic stages. Pyrimethamine binds to haem and forms a complex which is toxic to the malarial parasite. Sulfadoxine prevents the parasite from producing folinic acid, which is necessary for their multiplication. Together, Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine helps in treating malaria.
You are advised to take Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, abdominal pain, headache, diarrhoea, and fatigue. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Consult your doctor before taking Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine if you are pregnant. Avoid breastfeeding while taking Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine. Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine should be given to children only if prescribed by the doctor. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine as it could lead to increased dizziness. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medications to rule out any side effects.
Uses of Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine
Medicinal Benefits
Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine is a combination of three drugs, namely: Artesunate, Pyrimethamine, and Sulfadoxine. Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine belongs to a group of medicines called anti-malarial drugs used to treat uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Artesunate is an anti-parasitic agent which generates free radicals, this results in the inhibition of nucleic acid and protein synthesis of the Plasmodium parasites during erythrocytic stages. Pyrimethamine is an anti-parasitic agent that binds to haem and forms a complex toxic to the malarial parasite. Sulfadoxine is an antibiotic that prevents the parasite from producing folinic acid, which is necessary for their multiplication. Together, Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine helps in treating malaria.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Fatigue
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform your doctor if you have epilepsy, asthma, blood problems, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe anxiety, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, stomach or intestinal infection, heart, kidney, or liver problems. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant. Avoid breastfeeding while taking Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine. Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine should be given to children only if prescribed by the doctor. Avoid consuming alcohol with Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine as it could lead to increased dizziness. Consult your doctor immediately if you notice signs of infection, unusual tiredness, skin rash, unusual bleeding or bruising, red, swollen, or blistered skin.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine may interact with anticonvulsant (carbamazepine, phenytoin), antiretroviral (ritonavir, nevirapine), antibiotics (rifampin), anti-malarial (chloroquine), antimetabolite (methotrexate).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, seizure, colitis, or porphyria.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine as it may lead to increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
cautionConsult your doctor if you are pregnant; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
unsafeArtesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine passes into breastmilk. Avoid breastfeeding while taking Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine.
Driving
cautionArtesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine may cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionArtesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine should be used with caution in patients with liver problems. Consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionConsult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
cautionArtesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine should be given to children aged 6months and older only if advised by the doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat nutritious food containing proteins and vitamins.
- Consume light and digestible foods such as soups, gruel, khichadi, and rice.
- Drink plenty of fluids. It helps in preventing the formation of kidney stones.
- Consume fruits rich in vitamin A and C, such as lemon, grapes, beetroot, and carrot.
- Avoid high-fiber foods, fatty foods, junk foods, and caffeine.
- Spray insecticides at home and outside to prevent mosquito breeding.
- Cover your skin in areas that are abundant with mosquitoes. Use insect-repellent creams/sprays.
- Avoid pickles, alcohol, coffee, tea, carbonated beverages, and spicy food.
Special Advise
- Regular laboratory tests such as blood tests, liver and kidney function tests while taking Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine are advised.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Malaria: Malaria is a mosquito-borne blood disease caused by the female anopheles mosquito. Malaria is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, which carry the Plasmodium parasite. When the infected mosquito bites a person, the parasite is released into the bloodstream. The parasite matures in the liver and infects the red blood cells. Then, it multiplies in the red blood cells leading to malarial infection. Symptoms of malaria include fever, headache, fatigue, muscle pain, back pain, chills, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and dry cough. The symptoms usually develop within 10 days to 4 weeks after the infection.
FAQs
Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine contains Artesunate, Pyrimethamine, and Sulfadoxine. Artesunate generates free radicals, inhibiting nucleic acid and protein synthesis of the Plasmodium parasites during erythrocytic stages. Pyrimethamine binds to haem and forms a complex which is toxic to the malarial parasite. Sulfadoxine prevents the parasite from producing folinic acid, which is necessary for their multiplication. Together, Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine helps in treating malaria.
Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine might lower the number of platelets in the blood. This could lead to an increased risk of bleeding. Therefore, be cautious while using sharp objects. Inform your doctor if you notice blood in stools, black/tarry stools, or unusual bleeding or bruising.
Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine might lower the blood glucose levels. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine if you are diabetic. To prevent any hypoglycaemic events, carry glucose, sugar, honey or candy. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels whilst taking Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine is advised.
Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine might cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to sunlight and tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and SPF whilst going outside.
Do not discontinue Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine on your own as it might cause a relapse of the infection. To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse.
Anticonvulsant drugs such as carbamazepine and phenytoin might lower the anti-malarial activity of Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine. Therefore, consult a doctor before taking Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulfadoxine along with anticonvulsant drugs.