Fansidar

What is it?

A compound antimalarial preparation, combining a sulphonamide with a diaminopyrimidine drug, produced in the form of quarter- scored white tablets containing 500mg sulfadoxine and 25mg pyrimethamine. The tablets are marked with a hexagon and ROCHE.

Medical Uses

Treatment and prevention of malaria (caused by P!asmodiuin falczparum).

Dosage

For prevention, adults and children over fourteen years, 1 tablet taken weekly; for treatment, adults and children over fourteen years, 2 to 3 tablets as a single dose ( Also, see manufacturer's instructions). Children, for prevention, under 4 years of age quarter of adult dose; 4 to 8 years, half adult dose; 9 to 14 years threequarters of adult dose. For treatment, under 4 years of age, half tablet; 4 to 6 years, 1 tablet; 7 to 9 years, 1 and a half tablets; 10 to 14 years, 2 tablets. All ages take tablets as a single dose (but Also, see manufacturer's instructions).

Special Care

Patients should avoid being out in the sun and regular blood checks are required during long-term preventative treatment.

Avoid Use

Pregnancy, breast-feeding, newborn babies, patients with serious kidney or liver disease, blood changes, sensitivity to sulphonamide drugs.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Folate inhibitors.

Known Side Effects

Discontinue therapy if severe itching occurs. Pharyngitis (inflammation of pharynx), gastro-intestinal upset, blood changes, skin rash. More rarely, allergic skin conditions - Lyell's syndrome, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome.