Pyrimethamine; Sulfadoxine tablets

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What are Pyrimethamine; Sulfadoxine tablets?

Pyrimethamine; Sulfadoxine (Fansidar®) is an antimalarial agent. It treats and prevents malaria infections. Malaria is a serious disease that can be life threatening.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• anemia or other blood disorders
• asthma
• dental disease
• folic acid deficiency
• glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD deficiency)
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• porphyria
• seizures
• an unusual or allergic reaction to pyrimethamine, sulfadoxine, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets whole with glass of water after a meal; do not suck or chew the tablets. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What drug(s) may interact with Pyrimethamine; Sulfadoxine?

• lorazepam
• medicines for cancer chemotherapy
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
• p-aminobenzoic acid, PABA
• procainamide
• some antibiotics
• cyclosporine
• phenytoin
• warfarin
• water pills
• zidovudine

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Pyrimethamine; Sulfadoxine?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 2 to 3 days, or if you develop a skin rash. If you get a skin rash, stop taking your medicine and consult your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can.

If you are taking this medicine for a long time you must visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular blood checks.

This medicine can cause blood problems. This can mean slow healing and a risk of infection. Try to avoid cutting or injuring yourself. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.

Check with your pharmacist before you visit a new area where there are malaria-carrying mosquitoes. You may need to take a different antimalarial medicine.

If you are a diabetic using insulin or other medicines to lower blood sugar, monitor your blood sugar carefully. If you get an unusual reaction, stop using this medicine at once and call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

Drink several glasses of water a day. This will help to reduce possible kidney problems.

Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.

You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how sulfadiazine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Pyrimethamine; Sulfadoxine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• difficulty breathing or tightening of the throat
• bluish fingernails or lips
• dark yellow or brown urine
• eye redness or irritation
• fever or chills, sore throat
• increased sensitivity to the sun or ultraviolet light
• joint aches or pains
• less urine passed
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• sore mouth or odd taste, swollen tongue
• seizures
• redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of skin, including skin inside the mouth
• skin rash, hives, or itching
• stomach pain
• swelling of the neck
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• diarrhea
• difficulty sleeping
• mild dizziness
• headache
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• ringing in the ears
• stomach pain

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.