Swidar: Sulfadoxine+Pyrimethamine

Swidar is a prescription antimalarial medicine that contains sulfadoxine 500 mg and pyrimethamine 25 mg. The two active ingredients work together to stop the growth and multiplication of malaria parasites, making the medicine effective for the treatment and prevention of susceptible malaria infections.

Swidar is used for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by susceptible Plasmodium falciparum and for the intermittent preventive treatment of malaria during pregnancy (IPTp). Because it is a prescription-only medicine, Swidar should only be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.

Mechanism of Action (MOA)

Swidar contains two active ingredients, sulfadoxine and pyrimethamine, which work together to stop the growth and multiplication of malaria parasites by blocking two consecutive steps in their folate synthesis pathway.

Sulfadoxine inhibits the enzyme dihydropteroate synthase, while pyrimethamine inhibits dihydrofolate reductase. By blocking these enzymes, Swidar prevents the parasite from producing folic acid, which is essential for DNA synthesis and cell replication. Without folic acid, the parasite cannot grow or reproduce, allowing the body to clear the infection.

What is Swidar Used for?

Swidar is prescribed for specific malaria-related conditions. It should only be used for approved indications and under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.Swidar is indicated for the following:

• Treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by susceptible Plasmodium falciparum.
• Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria during pregnancy (IPTp) in accordance with national treatment guidelines and on the advice of a qualified healthcare professional.

Contraindications

Although Swidar is effective for treating and preventing certain types of malaria, it is not suitable for everyone. You should not take this medicine if you have any of the following conditions unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise.Do not take Swidar if you:

• Are allergic to sulfadoxine, pyrimethamine, other sulfonamides (sulfa medicines), or any of the ingredients in the product.
• Have a history of severe reactions to sulfonamide medicines, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).
• Have megaloblastic anaemia caused by folate deficiency.
• Have severe liver disease or severe kidney impairment.
• Infants younger than 2 months of age.

If you have any of these conditions, inform your healthcare provider before taking Swidar. Your doctor may recommend a more suitable alternative.

How to take Swidar 

The recommended dose of Swidar depends on the reason for treatment, the patient’s age, and body weight. Always take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional.

Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria in Pregnancy (IPTp)

For the prevention of malaria during pregnancy, one full treatment dose should be taken during the second and third trimesters. The doses should be given at least one month apart, with the last dose administered no later than one month before the expected date of delivery. Swidar should not be used during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Swidar Dosage When Used With Other Antimalarial Medicines

Body Weight	Dose
Less than 20 kg	1 tablet
21 to 30 kg	1½ tablets
31 to 45 kg	2 tablets
More than 45 kg	3 tablets

Side Effects of Swidar

Like all medicines, Swidar can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are mild, but some can be serious and require immediate medical attention.

Serious Side Effects

Stop taking Swidar and seek medical attention immediately if you develop:

• Skin rash, blistering, peeling of the skin, or painful mouth sores.
• Severe allergic reactions, including swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing.
• Fever, sore throat, or other signs of infection.
• Unusual bruising or bleeding.
• Extreme tiredness, pale skin, or other signs of blood disorders.
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or other symptoms of liver problems.
• Persistent cough or difficulty breathing.

If you develop a skin rash or any other severe reaction while taking Swidar, stop using the medicine immediately and contact your healthcare provider.

Less Serious Side Effects

Some people may experience mild side effects while taking Swidar, including:

• Mild stomach discomfort or a feeling of fullness.
• Slight hair loss.
• Headache.
• Muscle weakness.
• Low mood, anxiety, or nervousness.
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia).

These side effects are usually mild and may resolve as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, if they persist, become bothersome, or worsen, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Swidar Price in Nigeria

As of August 2026, the price of Swidar in Nigeria typically ranges from ₦750 to ₦3,000 per pack, depending on the pharmacy, location, and supplier. Prices may vary between retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, and online medicine stores. 

Save More with Me & You Pharma: Through Me & You Pharma, you can access discounted prices on Swidar from our network of partner pharmacies. Simply join our community to enjoy savings while purchasing from trusted, licensed pharmacies.

Frequently Asked Question

To help you better understand Swidar, we’ve answered some common questions about its uses, dosage, safety, and precautions.

• Can You Take Swidar During Pregnancy?

Yes. Swidar is used for the intermittent preventive treatment of malaria during pregnancy (IPTp) and is recommended only during the second and third trimesters. It should be taken under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional and is not recommended during the first trimester.

• Can Swidar Prevent Malaria?

Yes. Swidar can help prevent malaria when used as chemoprevention in specific high-risk groups. It is most commonly used for intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy (IPTp),

• Can Swidar Be Used in Children?

Yes. Swidar can be used in children, but the dose should be based on the child’s body weight and prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional. Swidar should not be used in infants younger than 2 months of age.