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 in the treatment and prevention of malaria or the treatment of toxoplasmosis (a parasitic infection). Pyrimethamine is often taken in combination with other antimalaria medication.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with food or meals as directed. For preventing malaria, this is usually taken once a week. For treatment of a malarial attack, this is taken once a day for 2 days, then given once a week. In the treatment of toxoplasmosis, this may be given once or twice a day for up to 5 weeks. Take this medication for the full time prescribed. Stopping therapy too soon may result in ineffective treatment.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, stomach upset or loss of appetite may occur especially the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. Other effects reported include headache, lightheadedness, dry mouth, diarrhea, trouble sleeping. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop a sore throat, unusual bruising, pale skin, swelling of the tongue, depression, irregular heartbeat. Use caution driving or operating machinery if this medication makes you lightheaded. This medication may cause blood disorders. It is important that lab tests be done periodically while taking this medication to monitor for this. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
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.
- Malaria - Get the facts on malaria symptoms, signs, diagnosis, causes (Plasmodium parasite), treatment (medication), history and prevention, and learn the life cycle of the Anopheles mosquito.
- Toxoplasmosis - Get the facts on toxoplasmosis infection during pregnancy treatment, diagnosis, symptoms, prevention and causes. Learn how it is transmitted (cat feces, handling uncooked meat).
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