General Info:

Pyrimethamine is an antiparasitic drug. It prevents the growth and reproduction of parasites.

Sulfadoxine is a sulfa drug that fights bacteria in the body.

Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine may be used to treat malaria caused by mosquito bites in countries where malaria is common. Malaria parasites can enter the body through these mosquito bites, and then live in body tissues such as red blood cells or the liver. Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine is used to kill the malaria parasites living inside red blood cells. In some cases, you may need to take a different medication (such as primaquine) to kill the malaria parasites living in other body tissues. Both medications may be needed for a complete cure and to prevent the return of infection (relapse). Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine belongs to a class of drugs known as antimalarials.

The combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine is used to treat malaria, a disease caused by parasites. Parasites that cause malaria typically enter the body through the bite of a mosquito. Malaria is common in areas such as Africa, South America, and Southern Asia.

Pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine is usually given when other anti-malaria medications may not be as effective in treatment or prevention.

Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine is sold as brand names:

• Fansidar