home > drugs a-z list > fansidar (sulfadoxine and pyrimethamine) drug center > fansidar (sulfadoxine and pyrimethamine) drug - overdosage and contraindications

Acute intoxication may be manifested by headache, nausea, anorexia, vomiting and central nervous system stimulation (including convulsions), followed by megaloblastic anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, glossitis and crystalluria. In acute intoxication, emesis and gastric lavage followed by purges may be of benefit. The patient should be adequately hydrated to prevent renal damage. The renal, hepatic, and hematopoietic systems should be monitored for at least 1 month after an overdosage. If the patient is having convulsions, the use of parenteral diazepam or a barbiturate is indicated. For depressed platelet or white blood cell counts, folinic acid (leucovorin) should be administered in a dosage of 5 mg to 15 mg intramuscularly daily for 3 days or longer.

• Repeated prophylactic (prolonged) use of Fansidar (sulfadoxine and pyrimethamine) is contraindicated in patients with renal or hepatic failure or with blood dyscrasias;
• Hypersensitivity to pyrimethamine, sulfonamides, or any other ingredient of Fansidar (sulfadoxine and pyrimethamine) ;
• Patients with documented megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency;
• Infants less than 2 months of age;
• Prophylactic use of Fansidar (sulfadoxine and pyrimethamine) in pregnancy at term and during the nursing period.

Last reviewed on RxList: 10/10/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.