What is pyrimethamine-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?

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.

What brand names are available for pyrimethamine-oral?

Daraprim

Is pyrimethamine-oral available as a generic drug?

GENERIC AVAILABLE: No

Do I need a prescription for pyrimethamine-oral?

Yes

What are the side effects of pyrimethamine-oral?

Side effects of pyrimethamine include:

• Severe allergic reactions
• Increased blood levels of phenylalanine
• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Anemia
• Reduced number of white blood cells
• Reduced number of platelets
• Swelling of the tongue
• Blood in the urine
• Abnormal heart rhythms

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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.