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What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine (Fansidar)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to pyrimethamine, sulfadoxine, or other sulfa drugs, or if you have certain conditions. Be sure your doctor knows if you have:

• liver or kidney disease (if using the medication long-term);
• a blood cell disorder (such as anemia);
• anemia caused by a folic acid deficiency;
• if you are in late pregnancy; or
• if you are breast-feeding.

Before using pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• liver or kidney disease; or
• glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Malaria is more likely to cause death in a pregnant woman. If you are pregnant, talk with your doctor about the risks of traveling to areas where malaria is common.

Do not use this medication if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medication to a child without a doctor's advice. Babies younger than 2 months old should not receive pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine.

How should I take pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine (Fansidar)?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take the pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine tablet after a meal, with plenty of water or other fluid. Swallow the tablet whole, do not break or chew it.

Drink plenty of water to keep your kidneys working and prevent kidney stones while taking this medication.

To treat malaria, this medication is usually given as a single dose of 1/2 to 3 tablets. Follow your doctor's instructions.

If you are taking this medicine to prevent malaria, start taking it 1 or 2 days before entering an area where malaria is common. Take the medication every day during your stay and for 4 to 6 weeks after you leave.

You should not take pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine for longer than 2 years without a doctor's advice.

In addition to taking pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine, use protective clothing, insect repellents, and mosquito netting around your bed to further prevent mosquito bites that could cause malaria.

If you take this medication for longer than 3 months, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you have been exposed to malaria, or if you have fever or other symptoms of illness during or after a stay in an area where malaria is common.

No medication is 100% effective in treating or preventing malaria. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if you have fever, vomiting, or diarrhea during your treatment.

Store pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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