Treatment of falciparum malaria with sulfalene-pyrimethamine versus sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine.

ABSTRACT

The study was carried out in 89 uncomplicated falciparum malaria adult cases admitted to Paholpol-Phayuhasena Hospital, Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand, during July 1979 and March 1980. The patients were divided alternatively into 2 groups. Group I, 46 patients, were treated with a single dose of 1000 mg sulfalene and 50 mg pyrimethamine (2 tablets of Metakelfin). Group II, 43 patients, were treated with 1000 mg sulfadoxine and 50 mg pyrimethamine (2 tablets of Fansidar). The parasitemia was cleared within 7 days in 7 cases (15.2%) of group I and in 11 cases (25.6%) of group II. The results of both groups are not statistically significant. It is concluded that the success rate of Fansidar in the treatment of falciparum malaria is decreasing in Thailand and Metakelfin can be used in the treatment of falciparum malaria either alone in mild cases or in combination with quinine as an alternative to Fansidar.