Chlorproguanil/dapsone/artesunate

Chlorproguanil/dapsone/artesunate (also known as CDA) is a fixed-dose combination medication used in the treatment of malaria. It contains three active ingredients: chlorproguanil, dapsone, and artesunate.

Composition

The medication is composed of three active ingredients. Chlorproguanil is a biguanide antimalarial drug. It works by inhibiting the dihydrofolate reductase enzyme, which is necessary for the synthesis of DNA in the malaria parasite. Dapsone is an antibiotic that has antimalarial properties. It also inhibits the synthesis of dihydrofolic acid, but in a different way than chlorproguanil. Artesunate is a derivative of artemisinin, a compound found in the sweet wormwood plant. It is a fast-acting antimalarial drug that kills malaria parasites by producing free radicals in their cells.

Indications

CDA is used for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. It is particularly useful in areas where the malaria parasite has developed resistance to other antimalarial drugs.

Dosage and Administration

The dosage of CDA depends on the patient's body weight. It is usually taken once a day for three days. The medication should be taken with food to enhance absorption.

Side Effects

Common side effects of CDA include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Less common side effects include anemia, neutropenia, and methemoglobinemia. Rare but serious side effects include severe skin reactions and liver problems.

Contraindications

CDA is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of the active ingredients. It is also contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment, severe hepatic impairment, or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.

Interactions

CDA can interact with other medications, including other antimalarial drugs, antiretroviral drugs, and certain antibiotics. It is important to inform the healthcare provider of all medications being taken before starting treatment with CDA.

See Also

• Malaria
• Antimalarial medication
• Chlorproguanil
• Dapsone
• Artesunate