Pyrimethamine-oral

Pyrimethamine is an oral antiparasitic drug used for treating Toxoplasma gondii and plasmodia infections. Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, and plasmodia parasites cause malaria. Pyrimethamine prevents parasites from producing important proteins by blocking the use of folic acid which is necessary for the production of proteins. Preventing parasites from producing important proteins prevents growth and development of new parasites. The FDA approved pyrimethamine in January 1953.

GENERIC AVAILABLE: No

There are no adequate studies of pyrimethamine in pregnant women. Pyrimethamine should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Folic acid should also be given if it is used for the treatment of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy.

Pyrimethamine is secreted in breast milk. Women should not nurse while taking pyrimethamine.

Tablets: 25 mg.

Pyrimethamine tablets should be stored between 15 C and 25 C (59 F and 77 F).

Before taking pyrimethamine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: seizures, kidney problems, liver problems, a certain type of low red blood cell count (megaloblastic anemia due to low blood folate), low folic acid levels from other conditions (such as malnutrition, problems with absorption of food, alcoholism), low red/white blood cell counts, low blood-clotting cell (platelet) count.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Folic acid is very important during pregnancy. Your doctor will prescribe folic/folinic acid to prevent low folate levels.

This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: lorazepam, penicillamine, sulfa drugs (such as sulfamethoxazole), drugs that can lower folate levels (such as phenytoin, trimethoprim), drugs that can lower blood counts (such as proguanil, zidovudine, chemotherapy including methotrexate, daunorubicin, cytosine).