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Amodiaquine plus sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine combination
This combination inhibits parasite DNA synthesis and folate metabolism through two complementary antimalarial agents that work synergistically against Plasmodium parasites.
This combination inhibits parasite DNA synthesis and folate metabolism through two complementary antimalarial agents that work synergistically against Plasmodium parasites. Used for Uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, Malaria treatment in endemic regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
At a glance
| Generic name | Amodiaquine plus sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine combination |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Centre for Global Health Research, Ghana |
| Drug class | Antimalarial combination |
| Target | Plasmodium dihydrofolate reductase, dihydropteroate synthase, and hemozoin formation |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Amodiaquine is a 4-aminoquinoline that accumulates in parasite food vacuoles and disrupts hemoglobin digestion and DNA synthesis. Sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine inhibits sequential steps in folate metabolism (dihydropteroate synthase and dihydrofolate reductase), preventing nucleotide synthesis. Together, they provide additive antimalarial activity with reduced risk of resistance development compared to monotherapy.
Approved indications
- Uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum
- Malaria treatment in endemic regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa
Common side effects
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Pruritus
- Rash
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome (rare)
Key clinical trials
- Perennial Malaria Chemoprevention in the Malaria Vaccine Era (PHASE4)
- Efficacy and Safety of Sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine and Amodiaquine in Ghanaian Pregnant Women (PHASE3)
- Enhancing Preventive Therapy of Malaria In Children With Sickle Cell Anemia in East Africa (EPiTOMISE) (PHASE4)
- Effectiveness, Feasibility and Acceptability of Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention in Aweil South County in South Sudan (PHASE3)
- Effectiveness and Cost-effectiveness of Integrated Model for Malaria and Helminth Control (NA)
- Innovative Intermittent Preventive Treatment Approaches to Reduce Malaria Burden in School-age Children in Burkina Faso (PHASE3)
- Chemoprevention Efficacy Study in Burkina Faso (PHASE4)
- Chemoprevention Efficacy Study Nigeria (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
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