Fensid Tablet 500mg / 25mg

About Fensid Tablet 500mg / 25mg

Fensid Tablet 500mg / 25mg Uses

• Treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria
• Malaria treatment in areas with chloroquine resistant parasites
• Sometimes used alongside other antimalarials as directed by a doctor

Fensid Tablet 500mg / 25mg Benefits

• Single dose treatment improves adherence for malaria therapy
• Effective against many chloroquine resistant malaria strains
• Affordable option for malaria treatment in endemic areas

What Experts Say

Fensid combines two antifolate drugs that work in sequence against the malaria parasite. Sulfadoxine blocks one enzyme in the parasite's folate production pathway while pyrimethamine blocks a second enzyme further down the same pathway, and together they stop the parasite from making the DNA building blocks it needs to multiply.

This combination carries a documented risk of severe skin reactions, including Stevens Johnson syndrome, which is why it is reserved for confirmed malaria cases rather than routine or repeated use. Anyone with a sulfa drug allergy, G6PD deficiency, or significant liver or kidney disease should not take it without close medical supervision.

Adults are usually given a single dose of three tablets under medical direction, and children's doses are calculated by weight. A blood test confirming malaria, ideally from a government or accredited lab, should come before treatment, since self medicating for suspected malaria based on symptoms alone can delay the correct diagnosis and treatment.

Drug Class

• Antifolate antimalarial combination
• Sulfonamide plus diaminopyrimidine

Fensid Tablet 500mg / 25mg formula

• Sulfadoxine + Pyrimethamine

Available forms

• Tablet

How to use Fensid Tablet 500mg / 25mg?

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually as a single dose
• Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water
• Take with food if stomach upset occurs
• Confirm malaria with a blood test before starting treatment
• Do not repeat the dose without medical advice

Drug Interactions

• Trimethoprim or Methotrexate: Combining antifolate drugs increases the risk of bone marrow suppression.
• Warfarin: Can increase the blood thinning effect, raising bleeding risk.
• Phenytoin: May interact and affect seizure control in patients taking this anticonvulsant.
• Other Sulfonamide Drugs: Raises the risk of allergic or skin reactions when combined.

Risks and warnings

• Severe Skin Reactions: Rare but serious reactions like Stevens Johnson syndrome have been linked to this combination.
• Sulfa Allergy: Avoid if you have a known allergy to sulfonamide drugs.
• G6PD Deficiency: Can trigger red blood cell breakdown in people with this enzyme deficiency.
• Pregnancy: Avoid near term due to risk of newborn jaundice; use only if a doctor confirms it is necessary.
• Blood Disorders: Long term or repeated use can affect bone marrow and blood cell counts.

Fensid Tablet 500mg / 25mg Side Effects

• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Mild skin rash
• Diarrhea
• Rare but serious: severe skin blistering, difficulty breathing, or signs of low blood cell counts like unusual bruising or infection

Storage Conditions

• Store below 30°C in a dry place
• Keep tablets in the original blister pack until use
• Protect from moisture and direct sunlight
• Keep out of reach of children