Pyrimethamine and Sulfadoxine tablet

What is this medicine?

PYRIMETHAMINE; SULFADOXINE is used to treat or prevent malaria infections.

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
• glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD deficiency)
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• low levels of folic acid in the blood
• 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 I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Swallow tablets whole with glass of water after a meal. Do not chew the tablets. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 months for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

• certain antibiotics like sulfacetamide, sulfamethoxazole, and trimethoprim
• chloroquine
• cyclosporine
• medicines for cancer chemotherapy
• warfarin
• zidovudine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better in 2 to 3 days or if they get worse.

If you are taking this medicine for a long time you must visit your doctor 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. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth. If you are having any dental work done, let your dentist know that you are taking this medicine.

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

This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

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

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

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

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• bluish fingernails or lips
• dark urine
• eye redness or irritation
• general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
• light-colored stools
• loss of appetite, nausea
• muscle pain or weakness
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• right upper belly pain
• seizures
• swelling of the neck
• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusually weak or tired
• vomiting
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea
• dizziness
• headache
• ringing in the ears
• trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.