Pharmacokinetic rationale for a malarial suppressant administered once monthly

Serum was collected from six adults participating in a field trial of sulfadoxine and pyrimethamine in combination which was being administered once monthly for malaria suppression. Samples were drawn during each of two consecutive months three hours, and 7, 14 and 28 days following a dose of 1 500 mg sulfadoxine. Serum sulfadoxine concentration was measured using the method of Bratton and Marshall (1939). Initial serum concentrations averaged 19-9 plus or minus 2-4 (SD) mg/100 ml and decayed to 6-2 plus or minus 2-8 mg/100 ml at 14 days. Serum sulfadoxine concentrations were still detectable at 28 days following a dose (2-1 plus or minus 1-5 mg/100 ml). Elimination half-time averaged 195 plus or minus 44 hours. The presistent serum concentrations of sulfadoxine following monthly doses documented here during field-use of this drug are in agreement with the successful clinical results reported for such a regimen (Lewis and Ponnampalam, 1974; O'Holohan and Hugoe-Mathews, 1971; Wolfensberger, 1971).