Pyrimethamine

Generic name: pyrimethamine [ PIR-i-METH-a-meen ]
Brand name: Daraprim
Dosage form: oral tablet (25 mg)
Drug class:Miscellaneous antimalarials

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 2, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is pyrimethamine?

Pyrimethamine is an antiparasite medicine that helps prevent parasites from growing and reproducing in the body.

Pyrimethamine is used in adults and children to treat or prevent certain types of malaria. However, pyrimethamine is generally not preferred as a medicine to prevent malaria while traveling. When used to treat malaria, pyrimethamine should be used together with a faster-acting anti-malaria medicine such as chloroquine or quinine.

Pyrimethamine is also used to treat toxoplasmosis, an infection caused by the Toxoplasma parasite.

Pyrimethamine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You should not use pyrimethamine if you have a blood cell disorder called megaloblastic anemia that has been caused by folate deficiency.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use pyrimethamine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• a blood cell disorder called megaloblastic anemia that has been caused by folate (folic acid) deficiency.

To make sure pyrimethamine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• seizures (especially if you take phenytoin);

• liver disease;

• kidney disease;

• alcoholism; or

• if you are malnourished.

Using pyrimethamine during pregnancy could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking pyrimethamine, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

In some cases, pyrimethamine is given to pregnant women to treat toxoplasmosis. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine if you are pregnant.

Pyrimethamine can pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

How should I take pyrimethamine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Your dosage and the length of time you take pyrimethamine w...