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Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine
Sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine inhibits dihydrofolate reductase and dihydropteroate synthase in parasites, blocking folate synthesis and DNA replication.
Sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine inhibits dihydrofolate reductase and dihydropteroate synthase in parasites, blocking folate synthesis and DNA replication. Used for Malaria (Plasmodium falciparum and other Plasmodium species), Toxoplasmosis prophylaxis and treatment, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia prophylaxis.
At a glance
| Generic name | Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Vitadar, Fansidar, Fansidar, Vitadar, - SP, - sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine |
| Sponsor | ORIYOMI OMOTOYOSI AKINYOTU |
| Drug class | Antifolate antimalarial |
| Target | Dihydrofolate reductase; dihydropteroate synthase |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
This fixed-dose combination works synergistically: pyrimethamine inhibits dihydrofolate reductase in the parasite, while sulphadoxine inhibits dihydropteroate synthase. Together they block sequential steps in folate metabolism, preventing nucleotide synthesis and parasite reproduction. The combination is particularly effective against Plasmodium species and Toxoplasma gondii.
Approved indications
- Malaria (Plasmodium falciparum and other Plasmodium species)
- Toxoplasmosis prophylaxis and treatment
- Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia prophylaxis
Common side effects
- Rash
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Hepatotoxicity
- Bone marrow suppression
Key clinical trials
- Improving Care Through Azithromycin Research for Infants in Africa (PHASE3)
- Improving Cognition and Gestational Duration With Targeted Nutrition (NA)
- MULTIple Doses of IPTi Proposal: a Lifesaving High Yield Intervention
- Perennial Malaria Chemoprevention in the Malaria Vaccine Era (PHASE4)
- Milk Fat Globule Membrane-Enhanced RUTF for Children With Severe Acute Malnutrition (NA)
- Preventing Malaria in School Children to Protect the Whole Community in Rural Blantyre District, Malawi (PHASE4)
- Optimal Chemopreventive Regimens to Prevent Malaria and Improve Birth Outcomes in Uganda (PHASE3)
- Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine Plus Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine for Intermittent Preventive Treatment in Pregnancy (PHASE3)
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 |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- ORIYOMI OMOTOYOSI AKINYOTU portfolio CI