pyrimethamine - oral, Daraprim
GENERIC NAME: PYRIMETHAMINE - ORAL (pir-ih-METH-uh-meen)
BRAND NAME(S): Daraprim
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects |
Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes |
Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is used with other medication (such as a sulfonamide) to treat a serious parasite infection (toxoplasmosis) of the body, brain, or eye or to prevent toxoplasmosis infection in people with HIV infection. Rarely, pyrimethamine is used with sulfadoxine to treat malaria. The CDC no longer recommends using pyrimethamine alone to prevent or treat malaria. Pyrimethamine belongs to a class of drugs known as antiparasitics. It works by killing parasites.OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This drug may also be used with other medications (such as dapsone) for the prevention and treatment of pneumocystis pneumonia in AIDS patients.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth usually once or twice daily or as directed by your doctor. Take this medication with food to decrease nausea and vomiting. If vomiting is severe or continues, your doctor may lower your dose or direct you to stop taking this medication. Your doctor will prescribe another medication (folic/folinic acid) to prevent blood problems caused by pyrimethamine. Follow your doctor's directions carefully. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent kidney problems if you are taking a "sulfa" medication with pyrimethamine.This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug and other antiparasitic drugs regularly, exactly as prescribed by your doctor. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.Dosage is based on the type of infection, your medical condition, age, and response to treatment. The length of time you will take this medication depends on your infection. Your dose must be carefully adjusted by your doctor to treat your infection and prevent serious side effects. Follow your doctor's directions carefully.Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed. Do not stop taking it before completing this prescription unless directed to do so by your doctor, even if you feel better. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may cause the amount of parasites to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects.Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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