Fansidar

Generic Name: Pyrimethamine; Sulfadoxine
Product Name: Fansidar

Indication

Used in the treatment and short-term prophylaxis of chloroquine resistant falciparum malaria

Action

Microbiology.

Fansidar is an antimalarial agent that attacks the different stages of parasiteâ??s development. This mechanism of action reduces the risk of resistance developing. It is usually effective against chloroquine resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum

Pharmacology.

Little is known about the absorption, distribution and metabolism of Fansidar.
Pyrimethamine: peak plasma levels in about 2 hours; half live approximately 100 hours; Pyrimethamine concentrates in the kidneys, lungs, liver and spleen.
Sulfonamide: peak plasma levels in 2-4 hours; half life about 200 hours.
Both compounds are excreted primarily by the kidney.

The protective effect of a single dose lasts for up to 4 weeks.

Dose advice

Treatment: one dose.

Adults.
50-70kg: Sulfadoxine 1-1.5 g. Pyrimethamine 50-75 mg.
That is:
Ampoules: 5-7.5 mL
Tablets: 2-3

Children

9-14 years: Sulfadoxine 1 g, Pyrimethamine 50 mg.
That is
Ampoules 5 mL
Tablets: 2

4-8 years: Sulfadoxine 500 mg, Pyrimethamine 25 mg.
That is:
Ampoules 2.5 mL
Tablets: 1

< 4 years: Sulfadoxine 250 mg, Pyrimethamine 12.5 mg
Ampoules 1-1.5 mL
Tablets: 1/2

Prophylaxis: one dose every 4 weeks

Semi-immune Adults.
50-70kg: Sulfadoxine 1-1.5 g. Pyrimethamine 50-75 mg.
That is:
Tablets: 2-3

Semi-immune Children

9-14 years: Sulfadoxine 1 g, Pyrimethamine 50 mg.
That is
Tablets: 2

4-8 years: Sulfadoxine 500 mg, Pyrimethamine 25 mg.
That is:
Tablets: 1

< 4 years: Sulfadoxine 250 mg, Pyrimethamine 12.5 mg
Tablets: 1/2

Non immune Adults.
50-70kg: Sulfadoxine 1 g. Pyrimethamine 50 mg.
That is:
Tablets: 2

Children

9-14 years: Sulfadoxine 750 mg, Pyrimethamine 50 mg.
That is
Tablets: 1.5

4-8 years: Sulfadoxine 500 mg, Pyrimethamine 25 mg.
That is:
Tablets: 1

< 4 years: Sulfadoxine 250 mg, Pyrimethamine 12.5 mg
Tablets: 1/2

Use in pregnancy (Category C). Use of Fansidar in pregnancy is justified because the benefit to the mother and fetus outweighs the risks. Pregnant women using the drug should also take folic acid supplementation. Women travelling to endemic malaria areas should avoid becoming pregnant, and if using Fansidar prophylactically should practice contraception during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose.

Use in lactation. Lactating women using Fansidar should avoid breastfeeding.