Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

SULFADOXINE WITH PYRIMETHAMINE - ORAL

(sull-fuh-DOX-een WITH pir-ih-METH-uh-meen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Fansidar

Uses

Sulfadoxine with pyrimethamine is used to prevent and treat malaria. It also treats toxoplasmosis (a parasite-caused disease).

OTHER

Uses

This medication may also be used to prevent pneumonia in AIDS patients.

How To Use

This medication is taken by mouth. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this. This medication may be taken with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor. It is important to continue taking this for the length of time prescribed. Stopping therapy too soon may result in inadequate treatment and can lead to a reinfection. If this medication is being used for prevention of malaria, it is important to understand that it is still possible to contract the disease. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop a fever. Malaria is best treated if therapy is started early.

Side Effects

Nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, dizziness or headache may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms: mouth sores, muscle aches, cough, severe weakness, vision changes, difficulty walking. Rarely, this medication can cause serious, even fatal, side effects such as a severe peeling skin rash known as Stevens- Johnson syndrome, blood disorders (e.g., agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia), or liver damage. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop any of the following symptoms: skin rash or blisters, unusual fatigue, persistent sore throat or fever, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, abdominal pain. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor if you have: a blood disorder, anemia, liver disease, kidney disease, asthma, seizures, allergies (especially an allergy to sulfonamides). This drug should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Since it is not known if this medication is found in breast milk; consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take, including: all antibiotics, lorazepam, oral PABA. This drug may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Discuss using other methods of birth control with your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include loss of appetite, vomiting, shaking, and seizures.

Notes

While taking this medication, your doctor may schedule periodic lab tests to check the effects of this therapy.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.