Pyrimethamine; Sulfadoxine
Pyrimethamine, Sulfadoxine Oral tablet
What is this medicine?
PYRIMETHAMINE; SULFADOXINE (peer i METH a meen; sul fa DOX een) is used to treat or prevent malaria infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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. Follow the directions on the prescription label. 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 receiving this medicine?
What side effects may I notice from receiving Pyrimethamine; Sulfadoxine?
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. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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.
Updated:  
March 21, 2017
Sources:  
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert