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Quinine plus sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine

Albert Schweitzer Hospital · FDA-approved active Small molecule

This combination uses quinine to inhibit parasite protein synthesis and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine to block folate metabolism in malaria parasites, providing synergistic antimalarial activity.

This combination uses quinine to inhibit parasite protein synthesis and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine to block folate metabolism in malaria parasites, providing synergistic antimalarial activity. Used for Malaria (Plasmodium falciparum and other species), Drug-resistant malaria.

At a glance

Generic nameQuinine plus sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine
SponsorAlbert Schweitzer Hospital
Drug classAntimalarial combination
TargetPlasmodium DNA/protein synthesis; dihydrofolate reductase; dihydropteroate synthase
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaInfectious Disease
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Quinine is a cinchona alkaloid that intercalates into parasite DNA and inhibits protein synthesis, while sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine is a fixed-dose combination that inhibits sequential steps in folate synthesis (dihydropteroate synthase and dihydrofolate reductase), disrupting nucleotide synthesis in Plasmodium species. Together, these agents provide complementary mechanisms against drug-resistant malaria parasites.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

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SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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