MALAREN
Malaren tablets contain both Sulfadoxine and Pyrimethamine that posses a remarkable antiplasmodic activity. Sulfadoxine antagonizes the plasmodial enzyme dihydropteroate synthetase, thus preventing the synthesis of dihydropteroate an intermediate in the formation of dihydrofolate. Pyrimethamine antagonizes the enzyme dihydrofolic-reductase, which converts dihydrofolic in tetrahydrofolic acid, which acts as an acceptor of one carbon unit and participates in several ensuing metabolic reactions. The considerable synergism of the combination is based on this double mechanism.
Presentation
Dose pack of 50×3’s Blister
10 x 10’s Blister.
Jar of 1000 tablets.
Description
Indications
Malaren is indicated for the treatment and prophylaxis of Plasmodium falciparum malaria for those patients in whom Chloroquine resistance is susceptible.
Pharmacological class
Antiprotozoal
Pharmacological properties
Antimalarial
Mechanism of Action
Sulfadoxine antagonizes the plasmodial enzyme dihydropteroate synthetase, thus preventing the synthesis of dihydropteroate an intermediate in the formation of dihydrofolate. Pyrimethamine antagonizes the enzyme dihydrofolic-reductase, which converts dihydrofolic in tetrahydrofolic acid, which acts as an acceptor of one carbon unit and participates in several ensuing metabolic reactions.
Side effects
Blood dyscrasias, allergic reactions, gastrointestinal reactions, CNS reactions, respiratory reactions
Contraindications
Malaren is contraindicated in patients with marked damage of the liver parenchyma, or blood dyscrasia, or severe renal insufficiencies, and in those who are hypersensitive to Pyrimethamine or Sulfadoxine. It is also contraindicated in infants and in pregnant women during the last two weeks of pregnancy.
Drug interactions
Increase in incidences and severity of adverse reactions when chloroquine is used with Malaren. Antifolic drugs such as sulfonamides, trimethoprim, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole combinations should not be used while the patient is receiving Malaren.
