Diphos Tablet 40mg/320mg

About Diphos Tablet 40mg/320mg

Diphos Tablet 40mg/320mg Uses

• First line treatment of uncomplicated malaria
• Treatment of malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax

Diphos Tablet 40mg/320mg Benefits

• Rapid parasite clearance from the combination of two complementary drugs
• Short 3 day course improves the chance of completing treatment
• Reduced risk of the malaria parasite developing drug resistance

What Experts Say

Dihydroartemisinin acts fast against the malaria parasite by generating reactive molecules inside it that damage its internal structures, rapidly clearing most of the parasite load within the first day or two. Piperaquine phosphate has a longer half life and stays in the body for weeks, mopping up parasites the fast acting component leaves behind.

Doctors pair a fast acting artemisinin derivative with a long acting partner drug to prevent the parasite from developing resistance to either drug alone, the same logic behind all artemisinin combination therapies recommended for uncomplicated malaria. The short 3 day course also makes it easier for patients to complete treatment fully.

Malaria remains endemic in parts of Pakistan, particularly during and after the monsoon season, and artemisinin combination therapy is the recommended first line treatment for uncomplicated cases caused by both major malaria species. Doctors check for heart rhythm risk factors before prescribing, since the piperaquine component carries a recognized, if uncommon, cardiac rhythm risk.

Drug Class

• Artemisinin Combination Therapy
• Antimalarial

Diphos Tablet 40mg/320mg formula

• Dihydroartemisinin + Piperaquine Phosphate

Available forms

• Tablet

How to use Diphos Tablet 40mg/320mg?

• Take this tablet with food, not on a completely empty stomach, to improve absorption.
• Take the full course exactly as your doctor prescribes, usually once daily for 3 days.
• Take doses at the same time each day.
• Do not take a double dose if a dose is missed, just continue with the next scheduled dose.
• Complete the entire 3 day course even if fever and symptoms improve sooner.

Drug Interactions

• Other QT Prolonging Drugs: Combining with other medicines that affect heart rhythm, such as certain antibiotics or antipsychotics, raises the risk of a dangerous heart rhythm.
• Fatty Meals: A high fat meal can increase piperaquine absorption and raise the risk of side effects, so a light meal is preferred.
• CYP3A4 Inducers: Drugs like rifampicin can reduce the effectiveness of this combination by speeding up its breakdown.
• Other Antimalarials: Combining with other antimalarial drugs should be avoided unless specifically directed by a doctor.

Risks and warnings

• Heart Rhythm Risk: This combination can affect the heart's electrical rhythm (QT prolongation), so it is used with caution in people with existing heart rhythm problems.
• Liver or Kidney Disease: Caution is needed in significant liver or kidney impairment, since both organs help clear these drugs.
• Fasting State: Taking this tablet on a completely empty stomach can reduce absorption, so it should be taken with food.
• Repeated Malaria Courses: Taking multiple courses within a short period, or with a heavy fatty meal, can raise the risk of heart rhythm side effects.
• Pregnancy: This combination is used in pregnancy only when a doctor judges the benefit outweighs the risk, particularly in the first trimester.
• Other QT Prolonging Drugs: Combining with other medicines known to affect heart rhythm should be avoided.

Diphos Tablet 40mg/320mg Side Effects

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Weakness or tiredness
• Heart rhythm changes (rare)

Storage Conditions

• Store the tablets at room temperature, below 30°C.
• Keep the strip in its original packaging away from moisture and light.
• Protect from direct sunlight and heat.
• Keep out of reach of children.