Malex

Treatment of all forms of malaria due to Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae. The drug is also indicated for suppressive or prophylactic management, particularly in areas where resistance to chloroquine is known to exist.

Sulphadoxine & Pyrimethamine is an antimalarial agent embodying the concept of synergism. Individually the components of this preparation exert inferior result with higher doses in comparison with that obtained with the combination. Moreover, this preparation is effective against strains that are resistant to other antimalarial agents and the risk of resistance development is minimum with this preparation. It is extremely long acting drug, attacks the different development stages of the parasite and attains effective concentration with a single dose. The protective effect of a single dose lasts for approximately four weeks and this preparation is compatible with other antimalarial drugs and with antibiotics. It does not influence the action of antidiabetic agents.

Concurrent administration of other preparations containing folate antagonists (e.g. cotrimoxazole, methotrexate, anticonvulsants) can result in increased impairment of folic acid metabolism, which leads to haematological side effects.

Sulphadoxine & Pyrimethamine at the recommended dose is well tolerated. Main side effects are given below

• Skin reactions: Drug rash, pruritus and slight hair loss have been observed.
• Gastro-intestinal reactions: Feeling of fullness, nausea, rarely vomiting, stomatitis.
• Haematological reactions: In rare cases, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and megaloblastic anemia have been observed.
• Other reactions: Fatigue, headache, fever, polyneuritis may occasionally occur.

Sulphadoxine & Pyrimethamine is contraindicated during pregnancy, premature and newborn infants during the first weeks of life and intolerance to sulfonamide. If pregnancy can not be excluded, possible risks should be balanced against therapeutic effect. Both Pyrimethamine and Sulphadoxine are excreted in maternal breast milk. Nursing mother should not take this preparation.

Impaired renal or hepatic function, folate deficiency, severe allergy or bronchial asthma, G6PD deficiency, pregnancy. Take with plenty of water to prevent crystalluria. Avoid excessive exposure to sun. Discontinue at the first sign of rash. Discontinue if signs of folic acid deficiency develops. Regular CBC monitoring, LFT, analysis of urine for crystalluria when admin for > 3 mth. Take with food to minimise Gi effects (e.g. anorexia and vomiting).

Anti-malarial drugs

Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.