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chlorproguanil-dapsone plus artesunate
This combination antimalarial drug works by inhibiting parasite dihydrofolate reductase (via chlorproguanil and dapsone) and disrupting mitochondrial function (via artesunate) to kill Plasmodium parasites through multiple pathways.
This combination antimalarial drug works by inhibiting parasite dihydrofolate reductase (via chlorproguanil and dapsone) and disrupting mitochondrial function (via artesunate) to kill Plasmodium parasites through multiple pathways. Used for Uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, Malaria treatment in areas with drug-resistant parasites.
At a glance
| Generic name | chlorproguanil-dapsone plus artesunate |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
| Drug class | Antimalarial combination |
| Target | Dihydrofolate reductase (chlorproguanil/dapsone); mitochondrial function (artesunate) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Chlorproguanil and dapsone are antifolate agents that inhibit dihydrofolate reductase, blocking nucleotide synthesis in malaria parasites. Artesunate is an artemisinin derivative that generates reactive oxygen species and damages parasite mitochondria. The combination provides synergistic antimalarial activity and helps overcome resistance to individual components.
Approved indications
- Uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum
- Malaria treatment in areas with drug-resistant parasites
Common side effects
- Hemolytic anemia (particularly in G6PD-deficient patients)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Diarrhea
Key clinical trials
- Safety and Efficacy Dose of Artesunate Used in Combination With LAPDAP Treatment of Uncomplicated Falciparum Malaria (PHASE2)
- Evaluation of 4 Artemisinin-based Combinations for Treating Uncomplicated Malaria in African Children (PHASE3)
- Intermittent Preventive Treatment With Antimalarials in Kenyan Infants (NA)
- Amodiaquine Plus Artesunate Versus Lapdap Plus Artesunate in the Treatment of Uncomplicated P. Falciparum Malaria in Malawi (PHASE4)
- Assessing the Efficacy of Four Drug Combinations as the Next First-line Therapy for Uncomplicated Malaria in Malawi (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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