Fansidar
Fansidar Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Fansidar is a brand name. Its generic name is Pyrimethamine + Sulfadoxine.
Fansidar Introduction:
Fansidar is a combination of two drugs: pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine, which are antimalarial medications used to treat and prevent malaria. Pyrimethamine is an antiparasitic drug and sulfadoxine is a sulfonamide antibiotic.Uses for Fansidar
Fansidar is used to treat and prevent malaria in adults and children. It is also used to reduce the risk of transmitting malaria from pregnant women to their unborn babies.Mechanism of Action
Pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine both work directly on the parasite, impeding growth and preventing it from multiplying. Pyrimethamine works by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for creating the genetic material for the parasite while sulfadoxine interferes with the process that helps make the parasite resistant to medications.How long does it take to work?
The parasite should start to die off within 48 to 72 hours of taking the medication. It can take up to two weeks for the infection to be cleared entirely.Absorption
Pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine are both well absorbed orally, reaching peak plasma levels approximately 1 hour after ingestion.Route of Elimination
Pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine are both excreted in the urine.Dosage
The recommended dose of Fansidar is 25 mg/500 mg tablet orally once a week for 12 weeks. For young children (aged 6-12 months), the dose is half of an adult tablet for every 10 kg of body weight.Administration
Fansidar should be taken orally with a glass of water once a week for 12 weeks. It should be taken on an empty stomach, at least two hours before or after meals.Side Effect
Common side effects include loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, and headaches. Less common side effects are severe rash, fever, pain in muscles or joints, or liver inflammation.Toxicity
The drug should not be taken by those who have serious liver, kidney, or blood disorders, as the drug is toxic in higher doses. It is also not recommended for use in pregnant women, as it can cause serious birth defects in newborns.Precautions
Patients should not take Fansidar if they have any type of allergy to pyrimethamine, sulfadoxine, or any other sulfa drug. Patients should also inform their doctor if they are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking this medication.Interactions
Fansidar may interact with other medications, such as antacids, diuretics, and blood thinners, so it is important to inform the doctor of any other medications being taken.Disease Interaction
Fansidar may interact with ankylosing spondylitis and systemic lupus erythematosus.Drug Interactions
Fansidar may interact with chloroquine, quinine, and proguanil.Food Interactions
Fansidar may interact with fortified grains, milk, eggs, leafy vegetables, cereal, and nuts.Pregnancy Use
Fansidar should not be taken by pregnant women as it can cause birth defects in newborns.Lactation Use
Fansidar is not recommended during breastfeeding as it can pass into breast milk and may cause harm to nursing infants.Acute Overdose
Symptoms of an acute Fansidar overdose may include lethargy, vomiting, eye pain, stomach pain, and diarrhea.Contraindication
Fansidar is contraindicated in patients with serious liver, kidney, or blood disorders, as the drug is toxic in higher doses. It is also not recommended for use in pregnant women, as it can cause serious birth defects in newborns.Use Direction
Fansidar should be taken orally with a glass of water once a week for 12 weeks. It should be taken on an empty stomach, at least two hours before or after meals.Storage Condition
Fansidar should be stored at room temperature between 15-25°C. It should be kept away from light, moisture, and heat.Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution of Fansidar is approximately 13.7 liters.Half Life
The half-life of Fansidar is approximately 1.4 hours.Clearance
The clearance of Fansidar is approximately 0.09 liters/hour/kg.Here you find in details version of Fansidar
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Fansidar
What is pyrimethamine + sulfadoxine?
Pyrimethamine + sulfadoxine is a combination medication used to treat certain infections caused by parasites, such as malaria. It belongs to a class of drugs known as antimalarials.
What is the mechanism of action of pyrimethamine + sulfadoxine?
The combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine works by inhibiting the growth of malaria parasites, thereby preventing them from multiplying and spreading in the body.
What is the dosage of pyrimethamine + sulfadoxine?
The usual dose of pyrimethamine + sulfadoxine is one tablet taken once daily with food. This should be taken for the duration of treatment recommended by your doctor.
Are there any side effects of pyrimethamine + sulfadoxine?
Common side effects of pyrimethamine + sulfadoxine may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, headache, abdominal pain, and dizziness. More serious side effects may include liver damage, nerve damage, and increased risk of bleeding.
What should I do if I experience side effects while taking pyrimethamine + sulfadoxine?
If you experience any serious side effects while taking pyrimethamine + sulfadoxine, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Additionally, you should discuss any mild side effects with your doctor as well.
What should I avoid while taking pyrimethamine + sulfadoxine?
It is important to avoid taking alcohol while taking pyrimethamine + sulfadoxine, as this can increase your risk of liver damage. Additionally, you should avoid activities that could increase your risk of bleeding, such as playing contact sports.
Can I take pyrimethamine + sulfadoxine while pregnant or breastfeeding?
It is generally not recommended to take pyrimethamine + sulfadoxine while pregnant or breastfeeding due to the risk of serious side effects. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss the risk to benefit ratio of taking this medication with your doctor before starting treatment.
What other medications may interact with pyrimethamine + sulfadoxine?
It is important to tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking, as pyrimethamine + sulfadoxine may interact with other medications such as certain antibiotics, antifungals, and antiepileptic drugs. Additionally, the use of this medication should be avoided in combination with certain antiretroviral medications.
Are there any laboratory tests that should be done while taking pyrimethamine + sulfadoxine?
Regular laboratory tests should be done to monitor your progress while taking pyrimethamine + sulfadoxine. This may include complete blood count, liver function tests, and kidney function tests. Your doctor will recommend the frequency of the tests based on your individual medical history.
Is there anything else I should know about pyrimethamine + sulfadoxine?
It is important to take pyrimethamine + sulfadoxine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication, even if you feel better after a few days. Additionally, you should inform your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms or unexpected side effects while taking this medication.