Pyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine
About Pyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine
Pyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine belongs to a group of anti-malarial medications used in the treatment of malaria. Malaria is a serious infectious disease caused by parasites of the Plasmodium genus, which are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female mosquitoes. It leads to symptoms such as fever, chills, and fatigue.
Pyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine is a combination of Pyrimethamine and Sulfamethoxypyrazine. Pyrimethamine stops the parasite division, especially during the formation of new parasites in red blood cells and the liver. Sulfamethoxypyrazine works by blocking the production of folic acid, which is essential for the growth of the parasites.
Take Pyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine for the duration prescribed by your doctor based on your medical condition. Some common side effects of Pyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness, anaemia and rash. These effects are usually temporary and do not require medical attention. However, if they continue or worsen, see your doctor for advice.
It is advisable not to take Pyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, make sure to consult your doctor before using Pyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine. Also, inform your doctor if you have a history of heart problems, seizures, anaemia, liver/kidney disease, or are taking any other medicines.
Uses of Pyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine
Medicinal Benefits
Pyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine combines Pyrimethamine and Sulfamethoxypyrazine, making it effective in treating malaria. It works by inhibiting the growth and reproduction of Plasmodium parasites, helping to reduce symptoms and support recovery. It may also be used in the treatment of toxoplasmosis. Additionally, its antimicrobial properties make it useful for managing infections, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems.
Directions for Use
- Pyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine can be taken with meals to avoid stomach upset.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safe and effective use.
- Swallow Pyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not break, crush or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Pyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Skin rash
Drug Warnings
Avoid taking Pyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or have a history of severe allergic reactions. Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems, blood disorders, or a history of folate deficiency. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor for advice. Regular blood tests may be required during treatment to monitor for potential side effects, such as blood cell changes or anaemia. Pyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine is recommended for use in children only if prescribed by your doctor. Let the doctor know if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking any other medicines, including supplements or herbal products.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor if you are taking anti-convulsant (phenytoin) or anti-metabolite (methotrexate).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney disorders, heart problems, seizures, blood disorders, or a history of folate deficiency.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorThe interaction of Pyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine with alcohol is unknown. If you have any concerns, discuss them with your doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionIf you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving Pyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionPyrimethamine is excreted in human milk. Therefore, if breastfeeding, inform your doctor before receiving Pyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
cautionPyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine may cause dizziness. Therefore, avoid driving if you feel dizzy after taking Pyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine.
Liver
cautionInform your doctor if you have liver disease before using Pyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine. Your doctor will determine potential risks before prescribing the medicine.
Kidney
cautionInform your doctor if you have kidney disease before using Pyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine. Your doctor will determine potential risks before prescribing the medicine.
Children
cautionPyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine should be given to children only when prescribed by a doctor. If you have any concerns regarding the use of Pyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine for children, please consult a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat nutritious food that helps to improve malaria-induced weakness.
- Consume fruits rich in vitamins A and C, such as lemon, grapes, beetroot, and carrot.
- Avoid eating fried and processed foods, junk food, oily foods, and spicy foods, as they can aggravate nausea and disturb the body's digestion process.
- 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 and liver and kidney function tests while taking Pyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine are advised.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Malaria: It is a life-threatening parasitic disease caused by mosquito bites. When the mosquito bites, the plasmodium parasite enters the body, multiplies in the liver, spreads via the bloodstream and thus causes the infection by releasing toxic chemicals. Symptoms may include chills, on-and-off fever, sweating, vomiting, etc.
FAQs
Pyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine is used to treat malaria. The combination of Pyrimethamine and Sulfamethoxypyrazine works together to inhibit the parasites' ability to reproduce, effectively treating and reducing the severity of malaria symptoms.
Pyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine is a combination of Pyrimethamine and Sulfamethoxypyrazine. Pyrimethamine acts as a folic acid antagonist by blocking an enzyme in Plasmodium parasites, which prevents the production of purines and pyrimidines needed for DNA and cell growth. This stops the parasite division, especially during the formation of new parasites in red blood cells and the liver. Sulfamethoxypyrazine inhibits the bacterial enzyme dihydropteroate synthetase, preventing para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) from binding, thereby blocking the production of folic acid, which is essential for the growth of the parasites. Together, Pyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine helps treat malaria.
If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving Pyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Pyrimethamine is excreted in human milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before receiving Pyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Pyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine may reduce the number of platelets in the blood, increasing the risk of bleeding. Be cautious when using sharp objects. Contact your doctor if you notice blood in your stools, black or tarry stools, or any unusual bleeding or bruising.
If you don't get better after using Pyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine for the prescribed treatment period, please contact your doctor. They may need to adjust your treatment plan or check for other possible causes of your symptoms. Always follow your doctor's instructions and seek help if your symptoms get worse while using this medicine.
Pyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine might cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to sunlight and tanning beds. Wear protective coverings and SPF when going outside.
Taking higher doses than prescribed is ineffective and may cause side effects. Therefore, it's essential to follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor to ensure safe and effective use.
Do not stop taking Pyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine without consulting your doctor; it may reduce the medication’s effectiveness. To treat your condition effectively, continue taking Pyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine for as long as your doctor prescribes.
Common side effects of Pyrimethamine+sulfamethoxypyrazine include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness, anaemia and rash. Seek medical care if the side effects persist or worsen.
