Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine
About
Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine 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 10 days to 4 weeks after the infection.
Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine is a combination medicine that contains Artesunate, Pyrimethamine, and Sulphadoxine. Artesunate generates free radicals, thereby 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. Sulphadoxine prevents the parasite from producing folinic acid, which is necessary for their multiplication. Together, Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine helps in treating malaria.
Take Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine with food. It is advised to take Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine for as long as your doctor has prescribed, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine may cause 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+sulphadoxine if you are pregnant. Avoid breastfeeding while taking Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine. Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine should be given to children only if prescribed by the doctor. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine as it could lead to increased dizziness. Keep your doctor informed about the medicines you take and your health condition to rule out any side effects.
Uses of Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine
Medicinal Benefits
Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine is a combination medicine that contains Artesunate, Pyrimethamine, and Sulphadoxine. Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine belongs to a group of medicines called anti-malarial drugs used to treat uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Artesunate is an anti-parasitic agent that generates free radicals, inhibiting nucleic acid and protein synthesis of the Plasmodium parasites during the erythrocytic stages. Pyrimethamine is an antiparasitic agent that binds to haem and forms a complex toxic to the malarial parasite. Sulphadoxine is an antibiotic that prevents the parasite from producing folinic acid, which is necessary for their multiplication. Together, Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine helps in treating malaria.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Fatigue
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine if you are allergic to any of its contents. Inform your doctor before taking Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine 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 before taking Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine if you are pregnant. Avoid breastfeeding while taking Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine. Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine should be given to children only if prescribed by the doctor. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine 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+sulphadoxine may have interaction with anticonvulsant (carbamazepine, phenytoin), antiretroviral (ritonavir, nevirapine), antibiotics (rifampin), anti-malarial (chloroquine), antimetabolite (methotrexate).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine may interact with depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, seizure, colitis, and porphyria.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine as it may lead to increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
cautionConsult your doctor before taking Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine if you are pregnant; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
unsafeArtesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine passes into breastmilk. Avoid breastfeeding while taking Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine.
Driving
cautionArtesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine may cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionArtesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine should be used with caution in patients with liver problems. Consult your doctor before taking Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionConsult your doctor before taking Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
cautionArtesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine should be given to children aged 6 months 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/spray.
- 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+sulphadoxine are advised.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Malaria: Malaria is a blood disease spread by the female anopheles mosquito. Malaria is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito carrying the Plasmodium parasite. The parasite is released into the bloodstream when an infected mosquito bites a person. The parasite develops in the liver before infecting red blood cells. It then multiplies in red blood cells, resulting in malarial infection. Malaria symptoms include fever, headache, exhaustion, muscle pain, back pain, chills, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and a dry cough. Symptoms typically appear 10 days to 4 weeks after infection.
FAQs
Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine contains Artesunate, Pyrimethamine, and Sulphadoxine. 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. Sulphadoxine prevents the parasite from producing folinic acid, which is necessary for their multiplication. Together, Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine helps in treating malaria.
Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine 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+sulphadoxine might lower blood glucose levels. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine 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+sulphadoxine is advised.
Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine might cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to sunlight and tanning beds. Wear a protective covering and SPF whilst going outside.
Do not discontinue Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine on your own as it might cause a relapse of the infection. To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine 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+sulphadoxine. Therefore, consult a doctor before taking Artesunate+pyrimethamine+sulphadoxine along with anticonvulsant drugs.
