Diphos

Diphos Tablets: Effective Treatment for Uncomplicated Malaria

Diphos Tablets are a fixed-dose combination therapy designed to treat uncomplicated malaria. This medication combines Dihydroartemisinin, the most active metabolite of artemisinin, with Piperaquine Phosphate, a derivative of the 4-aminoquinoline group.

How It Works

Dihydroartemisinin acts rapidly on malarial parasites, eliminating blood schizonts and targeting both early and late trophozoites. It selectively concentrates in cells infected by parasites, reacting with hemoglobin to kill the parasites by producing poisonous free radicals that destroy the parasite membranes.

Piperaquine, on the other hand, has a strong action on blood schizonts and late trophozoites. It inhibits hemoglobin formation and interacts with hemoglobin to form a ferriprotoporphyrin-piperaquine complex, which is highly toxic to all types of malarial parasites. Both components also have a strong effect on gametocytes, helping to prevent malaria transmission.

Usage and Safety

# Dosage

Diphos Tablets are used as a first-line treatment for uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria, including multi-drug resistant strains. It is also effective against P. vivax malaria and has a strong action on gametocytes. Piperaquine’s longer half-life makes it useful as a prophylactic measure.

# Side Effects

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and itching (pruritus). If you experience any severe side effects, consult your physician immediately.

# Drug Interactions

Diphos Tablets may interact with inhibitors, inducers, and substrates of CYP3A4, CYP2C19, CYP2E1, and CYP1A2. Grapefruit juice and drugs that prolong the QT interval should be used with caution.

# Precautions

• Pregnancy Category: Always consult your physician before using any medicine during pregnancy.
• Storage: Store Diphos Tablets at room temperature, away from direct light and heat.

When Not to Use

Diphos Tablets should not be used by patients with hypersensitivity to any of the Artemisinin derivatives or Piperaquine Phosphate components.

Additional Warnings

• Long Half-Life of Piperaquine: The long half-life of piperaquine (about 22 days) should be kept in mind when starting another anti-malarial agent due to treatment failure or a new malaria infection.
• CYP3A4 Inhibition: Piperaquine is a mild inhibitor of CYP3A4. Caution is recommended when co-administering with medicinal products exhibiting variable patterns of inhibition, induction, or competition for CYP3A4, as the therapeutic and/or toxic effects of some co-administered medicinal products could be altered.
• QTc Prolongation: Piperaquine is also a substrate of CYP3A4. A moderate increase in piperaquine plasma concentrations (<2-fold) was observed when co-administered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, resulting in a potential exacerbation of the effect on QTc prolongation.

Related Products

If you need additional information or related products, please refer to the product information section on our website.

By choosing Diphos Tablets, you are selecting a reliable and effective treatment option for uncomplicated malaria. Always consult your physician before starting any new medication, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking other medications.